The French Revolution was shaped by Enlightenment ideas challenging the traditional rule of the clergy and nobility. France was divided into three estates, with the First Estate of clergy and Second Estate of nobles enjoying wealth and tax privileges over the Third Estate of commoners. King Louis XVI further angered the people by spending lavishly and failing to control debts from supporting the American Revolution. The Revolution ultimately led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy with a more liberal government and a division of powers among different social groups.

1. French Revolution
Enlightment ideas about religion & society shaped the
policies of the French Revolution

2. French Revolution
Scientific New thinking Lead to
American &
Revolution encouraged French
Revolution The 3 Estates in France
1stEstate = clergy = wealthy/no taxes = privile
2ndEstate = nobles = wealthy/few taxes = priv
3rdEstate = everybody else
Bourgeoisie/middle class = some wealth/high
Bankers
Merchants
Professionals
Business owners
Farmers and peasants
Enlightment ideas about religion & society shaped the
policies of the French Revolution

3. French Revolution
Monarchy: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinett
Put country in debt
Supporting American Revolution
Personal luxuries
Louis XVI : Weak leader
Couldn’t control country’s
spending
Couldn’t control wife’s spending
RESULTS of the Enlightment’s impacts on the Revolution
-Constitutional monarchy
--Liberal government
--Division of powers amongst the clergy, nobility and
representatives of the cities to replace the old regime.
Enlightment ideas about religion & society shaped the
policies of the French Revolution