1. Origins of the Revolution Flashcards
What were the pays d’états? - Origins
A selection of 6 regions within France which were able to negotiate with the Crown on the issue of taxation.
How many venal (bought through venality) offices were there in France by the 18th Century? In what professions? - Origins
70,000 venal offices comprising the entire judiciary, most lawyers, army officers and other fairly rich professions.
What was the population in France in the 1780s? How many of these people were involved in agriculture? - Origins
27 million population
21 million involved in agriculture
What was the First Estate? How many people were part of this group? - Origins
The First Estate was the portion of society in France from the Church and Clergy.
Approx. 150,000 members
What was the Second Estate? How many people were part of this group? - Origins
Second Estate was the portion of society from the nobility and gentry, either hereditary or bought.
Approx. 200,000-400,000 members
What was the Third Estate? How many people made up this group? - Origins
The Third Estate comprised everyone from outside the nobility and church, and was the rest of the population.
Nearly 26.5 million people.
How did the Church influence society in terms of taxation? - Origins
The Church became a wealthy institution following the implementation of heavy tax on the Third Estate in the form of the tithe (10% of all produce or income/year).
What percentage of French land did the Church own? - Origins
10% of all French land.
What tax was the clergy of the First Estate exempt from? What is an example of the legal/military benefit of being a clergy member? - Origins
The clergy did not have to pay the taille, the most important form of direct tax to the State.
The clergy could only be tried in their own Church courts.
The clergy didn’t have to perform military service or contribute money to the royal troops.
How much of France’s land did the second estate collectively own? - Origins
Between 20-25% of all French land.
What privileges did the nobility have? (social, legal, financial) - Origins
Social - could display a coat of arms, could take precedence at public services.
Legal - had the right to be beheaded rather than hanged if guilty of a capital offence
Financial - like the First Estate, were exempt from the taille, had lower rates or exemptions from other direct taxes.
When did the Assembly of Notables meet? What was it composed of (give examples)? - Origins
The Assembly of Notables met in February 1787, composed of Second and First Estate members. Seven Princes of the Blood, Parlement judges, church representatives.
Who replaced Calonne? What changes did he wish to implement? - Origins
Calonne was replaced by de Brienne. He wanted to extend tolerance to Protestants, change the corvée royale into a tax, deregulate the grain trade, spread education, abolish tax farming and codify law.
What was the attitude of the Assembly of Notables towards taxation reform? - Origins
The Assembly of Notables proposed that there should be ‘no taxation without representation’ by an Estates General, which would fully scrutinise the taxation system. This as they were not deemed representative enough to grant tax reform.
When did Louis banish the Paris Parlement? Where to? Why? - Origins
Louis banished the Paris Parlement to Troyes in August 1787, in order to get it away from the crowds calling for the calling of an Estates-General.
When did Louis recall the Paris Parlement? - Origins
Louis recalled the Paris Parlement in September 1787.
When did Louis hold a very divisive royal session in 1787? What was the notable outcome from this? - Origins
Louis held a divisive Royal Session in NOVEMBER 1787, following which he exiled the duc d’Orléans as a result of his criticisms of Louis and his rule.
What were the ‘Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom’? Who created them, and what was their purpose? - Origins
The ‘Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom’ were created by the Parlements in May 1788, and were intended to force an Estates-General to be called to debate Louis’ changes. These laws were supposed to be entrenched, even against change by the King.
When did Louis register his ‘May Edicts’? What were these intended to do? - Origins
Louis registered the ‘May Edicts’ in May 1788. The May Edicts said that a new court would be created to replace the Parlements, which would be appointed by the King. This court would be able to remonstrate. The Paris Parlement would have the number of judges reduced to limit its power.
When did de Brienne demand an enlarged don gratuit from the church in order to alleviate financial burdens? What did he actually receive? - Origins
In June 1788, de Brienne asked the Parlements for an enlarged don gratuit, only to receive 1/4 of what he originally asked for.