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The French Revolution is the most famous revolution in all of history.  It started out with hope and promise, but ended with nearly everyone being executed by the [[Guillotine]].  Then there was a "Reign of Terror", terrifying chaos when anyone and everyone could be killed at any time.   

The French Revolution is the most famous revolution in all of history--even more famous than the American, Russian, Iranian, Chinese, or Nicaraguan revolutions.  It started out with hope and promise, but ended with nearly everyone being executed by the [[Guillotine]].  Then there was a "Reign of Terror", terrifying chaos when anyone and everyone could be killed at any time.   

Before the Revolution, France had three levels in its social system: The First, Second, and Third Estates.  The [[First Estate]] was about 1% of the population, but it controlled 10% of the land.  The First Estate consisted of the clergy, and they did not pay any taxes.  The [[Second Estate]] was about 2% of the population and they controlled 20% of the land.  These were the nobility, and they too payed very little taxes.  The [[Third Estate]] was everyone else, and they were badly overtaxed by the monarch.  This overtaxing was a major cause of the French Revolution.  Interestingly, taxes also helped to spark the [[American Revolution]].

Before the Revolution, France had three levels in its social system: The First, Second, and Third Estates.  The [[First Estate]] was about 1% of the population, but it controlled 10% of the land.  The First Estate consisted of the clergy, and they did not pay any taxes.  The [[Second Estate]] was about 2% of the population and they controlled 20% of the land.  These were the nobility, and they too payed very little taxes.  The [[Third Estate]] was everyone else, and they were badly overtaxed by the monarch.  This overtaxing was a major cause of the French Revolution.  Interestingly, taxes also helped to spark the [[American Revolution]].