HIST1083 Lecture 19: HIST 1083 Lecture 19: The French Revolution: The Road from Reform to Revolution
Document Summary
The french revolution: the road from reform to revolution. Liberal enlightenment ideals transformed into revolutionary, radicalism. 1st estate: clergy - 2nd estate: nobility - 3rd estate commoners. Many poor nobles in the 2nd estate. Many rich bourgeoisie in the 3rd estate. Economic growth of new middle class(3rd estate) did not match their. Lower clergy and nobles joined with the 3rd estate (not peasants but lawyers and merchants) to form a formidable political force. The long reigns of absolutist kings contrasted the rising tide of enlightenment thought. These monarchs left unbalanced budgets from wars and vast building projects. Louis xiv: numerous wars and the palace of versailles. Louis xv: seven years war and loss of international colonies and prestige. Louis xvi: the american revolution and subsequent debt crisis; the wars and expenses resulted in the loss of international prestige and economic stability. Grandson of louis xv and great, great, great grandson of louis xiv.
