Economic Discontent of the Ancien Regime Flashcards
What increased social tension in the 1780’s?
Bad harvests and rising prices.
How much of an increase was there in the cost of living from 1741 to 1785?
62% increase in the real cost of living.
What economic changes were there in 1789?
25% fall in real wages and 88% increase in price of bread.
What was an old economic problem which still caused grievance?
Peasants were 80% of population yet only owned 35% of land.
What did people do in 1789?
Protest on the streets demanding food - Marie Antoinette supposedly said ‘Let them eat cake’.
What was the impact of economic discontent?
Forced King to call the Estates General in order to raise taxes for the money problems.
How did the Parliament respond to the questioning of a new tax?
Did not give Louis more money but presented thousands of cahiers.
