Chapter 4: The Assembly Of Notables, Feb 1787 - May 1788

Question 1

What is the basic timeline for the outbreak for the revolution?

Answer 1

Financial crisis turns political crisis turns revolution
The revolt of the nobles
=> the revolt at Versailles
=> the revolt of Paris
=> the revolt of the peasantry

Question 2

How many members of the Assembly of Notables met?
When?

Answer 2

144
February 1787

Question 3

Why with the Assembly not sanction reforms?
What do they do instead?

Answer 3

Reluctant to giving up privileges
Called for summoning of Estates General as too big a reform to be made by a small group and to avoid backlash

Question 4

Why did Louis dismiss Calonne?
When?
(1)

Answer 4

Realised strength of opposition to Calonne
April 1787

Question 5

Who was Calonne replaced by?
Despite an advantage this man had, what problem did he face too?

Answer 5

Lime is de Brienne
A Notable & part of the Assembly - but assembly is no more cooperative than with Calonne

Question 6

What efforts did Brienne make?

Answer 6

Kept land tax
Suggested end to venal financial officials (those who bought offices)
Suggested new central treasury
Suggested educational system reform
Suggested religious toleration

Question 7

When does the Assembly of the Notables commence?
When is it in session until?

Answer 7

Feb 22, 1787
May 25, 1787

Question 8

At the start of the Assembly of the Notables what does Calonne do?
What is the response from the Notables?

Answer 8

Explains bankruptcy is imminent and Notables will have to chip in
Notables grow increasingly unenthusiastic

Question 9

When does Louis dismiss Calonne?
Why?
(2)

Answer 9

April 8, 1787
Performance considered as dissatisfactory by Notables

Question 10

Before Assembly is dissolved, what do the Notables say “no” to the king about?
What does this trigger?

Answer 10

Paying new taxes
Aristocratic revolt (1787-89)