Question

activity 3: text analysis
directions: analyze the text below and complete the questions that follow.
enlightenment
the enlightenment began thanks to the invention of the printing press, which philosophers used to write books to spread their ideas about freedom and equality. as a result, more people began to learn how to read. this led to dramatic changes in the world, particularly in governments where people revolted against absolute leaders who believed in divine right and suppression of people in lower classes. pictured above are the american founding fathers signing the declaration of independence - the document that formally broke them from british rule. this moment inspired the french, who helped the u.s. defeat britain.
famine & economic depression
extreme spending by the second estate (king louis and queen marie antoinette) on parties and luxurious items brought the country into financial ruin. further damages were caused by intense spending to help americans defeat britain in the american revolution. ultimately, this all led to a major economic depression in the 1770s - 1780s which led to a downturn in jobs and money made from trade (since nobody could work to produce items to trade). a famine also contributed to a lack of food, so bread became expensive since it was hard to come by. with no jobs and therefore no money, the third estate couldnt afford to eat.
inequality
the estates system was one of the last remaining segments of feudalism in an increasingly modernizing world. tired of oppression by the rich, the third estate began revolting against the class system. they were particularly infuriated that king louis and his wife, marie antoinette, enjoyed lavish foods and parties while the rest of the nation suffered in poverty and starved to death. when the king was forced to publish records of his transactions in 1790, the french saw that the royal family spent tens of millions on gifts to their friends and on \personal expenses\. they were both beheaded a couple of years later.

1. how did enlightenment ideas contribute to the french revolution?
2. why was there an economic depression during the 1770s - 80s? do you think this was necessarily the kings fault?
3. how did the economic depression contribute to hunger among the poor?
4. how did the estates system contribute to the french revolution?

why were the people of france unhappy with king louis and marie antoinette?

Explanation:

1. Enlightenment ideas spread through the printing - press, promoting freedom and equality. This inspired people to revolt against absolute leaders like in the French Revolution.
2. Economic depression was due to extreme royal spending, aiding the American Revolution, and a downturn in trade and production. While the King's spending contributed, other factors were also at play.
3. The economic depression led to job - loss and lack of money in the Third Estate, making it hard to afford food, thus causing hunger.
4. The Estates System was a feudal - like structure with the rich oppressing the Third Estate. The Third Estate revolted against this class system, fueling the French Revolution.
5. The people were unhappy as the royal couple indulged in luxury while the nation suffered poverty and starvation, and the King's financial records showed excessive personal spending.

Answer:

1. Enlightenment ideas spread freedom and equality concepts, inspiring revolt against absolute leaders.
2. Caused by royal over - spending, aiding the American Revolution, and trade/production decline. Not entirely the King's fault.
3. Job - loss and lack of money in the Third Estate made food unaffordable.
4. The feudal - like Estates System with rich oppression led the Third Estate to revolt.
5. The royal couple indulged in luxury while the nation starved and faced poverty, and there was excessive personal spending.