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Economic and social inequalities in the Old Regime significantly contributed to the French Revolution.

Understanding these inequalities helps explain modern revolutions and the pursuit of democratic rights.

Old Regime: The social and political system in France prior to the revolution.
National Assembly: Formed by the Third Estate to enact reforms.
Louis XVI: King of France during the revolution.
Marie Antoinette: Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI.
Tennis Court Oath: Pledge made by Third Estate delegates to create a new constitution.
Estates-General: Assembly representing the three estates of France.
Great Fear: Wave of panic and unrest among the peasants in France.

France was the most advanced country in Europe with a significant population and thriving foreign trade.
Despite the appearance of success, crises emerged from bad harvests, high prices, and oppressive taxation.
Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire influenced public opinion and dissatisfaction.

Society was divided into three estates:
- First Estate: Clergy (Roman Catholic Church), owned 10% of land, contributed 2% of income in taxes, and scorned Enlightenment ideas.
- Second Estate: Nobility, made up of rich nobles, owned 20% of land, paid almost no taxes; the majority disagreed with Enlightenment ideas.
- Third Estate: 97% of French population, including bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants, faced high taxes and lacked privileges.

Bourgeoisie: Middle class, wealthy and educated, supported Enlightenment ideals.
Urban Workers: Poorer class, faced unemployment and low wages; often resorted to stealing for survival.
Peasants: Majority of the population, heavily taxed with half their income going to dues and taxes; sought change due to resentment of noble privileges.

Growing awareness of equality and liberty inspired by Enlightenment thinkers and the American Revolution.
Comte D'Antraigues emphasized that the Third Estate represented the people and should have power.

Decline in economy due to high taxes and rising costs of living.
Poor harvests led to bread shortages; the price doubled in 1789.
Extravagant spending by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette exacerbated government debt.

Louis XVI's indecisiveness and poor leadership led to worsening crises.
Marie Antoinette's unpopular habits and foreign connections complicated the political landscape.

Traditional structure favored the First and Second Estates, allowing them to outvote the Third Estate.
The Third Estate pushed for a shared vote and unification in their efforts.
Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès proposed naming the Third Estate the National Assembly, marking a pivotal moment towards revolution.

After being locked out of their meeting room, the Third Estate took the Tennis Court Oath, pledging to draft a new constitution.
This act signified a decisive break from the monarchy.

Mobs in Paris stormed the Bastille on July 14, seeking weapons and marking a significant revolt against tyranny.
The fall of the Bastille became a national symbol of revolution.

Panic spread across rural France over rumors of nobles hiring bandits to suppress peasants.
Armed resistance arose with peasants attacking manor houses and demanding reforms.

Parisian women rioted for bread, ultimately marching to Versailles demanding that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette return to Paris, marking a critical change in power.

The activities during this time, such as the Tennis Court Oath and the storming of the Bastille, led to the establishment of a new government framework and showcased the rising resentment against the monarchy.