Causes of Louis XVI calling an Estates-General Flashcards
Which 3 factors forced Louis XVI to call EG?
- Revolt of the Nobles (RoN)
- Short term economic issues and failures to resolve them
- Unrest among 3rd due to wider economic issues
Who was the Revolt of the Nobles led by?
- 1st and 2nd estates showed Louis to be losing support from factions of society the monarch usually relies on
Describe the initial events of the RoN?
- Nobles met all over France in unauthorised assemblies to discuss action in support of parlements demands for calling EG to consent to new taxes which they opposed
What is an example of the Church joining in the Revolt?
- June 1788
- Brienne’s demand to increase Don Gratuit only partially granted as the Church offer 25% of what is expected
What are some initial consequences of the Revolt?
- Provincial parlements flooded royal court with complaints
- Confidence in government decreases so people stop paying tax completely
- Series of uncoordinated uprisings and riots
What is an example of violent opposition to Louis?
- June 1788 ‘Day of Tiles’ in Grenoble
- Royal troops arrived to restore order were pelted with stones and roof tiles
Why is this violent opposition so significant in forcing Louis XVI to call an EG?
- Most violent and determined opposition that Louis had yet faced
- Rioting and royal officials and intendants were intimidated and attacked
- Demonstrates royal authority collapsed and the military were helpless
What is the situation with the Ministers of Finance? How does this lead to EG?
- Brienne resigns and Necker is recalled
- He realises it foolish to attempt anything radical before promised Estates-General assembled
What did the Revolt ultimately prevent?
- Prevented Louis from imposing his reforms on the State
- Led to political paralysis of government which could only be ended by conceding demands for EG
How can the RoN be countered?
- Opposition of the nobles was primarily selfish and directed to the preservation of the interests of the First and Second Estates
- Risings were uncoordinated and sporadic
- Royal troops remained loyal and Paris generally remained loyal = no real long-term threat to Louis’ authority
