The French Revolution

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the classes represented in the French Revolution are (1) "The First Estate", which was the clergy, (2) "The Second Estate", which represented the nobility and (3) "The Third Estate" which was at the bottom of the hierarchical ladder, representing the poorer and lower classes of people in France. The author points out that no philosophies, either in whole or in part, actually caused the French Revolution; but, because the philosophers of the Enlightenment attacked the established order and authority of any kind, their ideas helped to produce what can only be called a "revolutionary mentality". The paper concludes that the French Revolution was a war of the classes: However, the lines are not clearly drawn dividing the classes; therefore, it is clear that the French Revolution was a war of and a war within the social classes in the society of France.

Table of Contents
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
The Beginning of the Revolution
Classes Represented in the French Revolution
First, Second and Third Estates Grow Dissatisfied with Their Lot
Americas' Influence on the Revolt of the French
Effects of the Enlightenment in Relation to the French Revolution
Beliefs of the Revolutionaries

From the Paper:

"At the time of the French Revolution France was under the rule of an absolute monarchy and was a monarchy that was under the rule or reign of King Louis XIV (1643 - 1715). Louis XIV encouraged both trade and manufacture and centralized the country during this time period. The individuals represented by all three estates, The First, Second and Third Estate has grown dissatisfied with their lot in life for one reason or another. The main reason for the Nobility's dissatisfaction was the longing to regain the power that the monarchy had stripped from them. The peasant class as well as the bourgeoisie class was extremely unhappy over the system of taxation that operated in France and the Bourgeoisie resented deeply the privileges enjoyed by the Nobility class in France during that time period."

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