1. Absolutism and the structure of the Ancien Regime Flashcards
What was the Ancien Regime?
Pre-revolution social and political system in France, Frenchmen were subjects rather than citzens.
What were the conseils within this system?
Conseil d’Etat was the Council of State responsible for state and foreign affairs. Conseil des Depeches recieved dispatches for the King and dealt with the Church. Conseil Royal des Fiances, dealt with Royal Finances
How was the system controlled and how reliable was it?
Controlled through a series of attendants who reported to the King in provinces, ensured taxes were paid and edicts were carried out. Too few of them, lots of corruption , couldn’t make decisions themselves.
What happened on a local level?
In Pays d’etats, representatives would negotiate tax with royal intendants. Provincial Governors were responsible for maintaining order, often nobility. Seigneurs acted as feudal laws and had their own taxes.
How was French law structured?
430 billiage courts to the 13 parlements. Paris Parlement most influence. Parlements heard both civil and crimminal cases. Could criticise the Kings edicts but were forced to pass it through the Lit de Justice.
What was the 3rd Estate formed of?
Many were subsistence farmers, legally bound to seigneurs. Paid more taxes than the other Estates. Also had journaliers who acted as day laborers, seen on the edges of society. 97% of the population.
Who formed the 1st Estate?
The clergy. Responsible for education. Often the lowlier parishes did play a role in the community. Owned huge amounts of land. Could charge their own 10% tax call ‘Tide’. Could chose to pay gratuity but was optional and could chose the amount.
Who were the 2nd Estate?
Owned a third/quarter of all French land. Could earn money through patronnage and sub-feudalism. Noblest de Pays were born nobility. Noblest de Robe bought their titles. Could raise independent taxes on those in their land.
Pros and Cons of a centralised government.
Pros: functioned relatively well for its time.
Cons: Easily exploited by the monarch. Kept the monarch isolated from the real issues. Change/reform was limited.
