French Revolution (Lesson 3) Flashcards
Louis, Marie Antionette and The French Economy
When did Louis inherit the throne
Age 19
What were the features of Louis XVI’s character
Indecisive, Easily Led and Immature
Where was Marie Antionette from
Austria (She was the Austrian princess)
What did the marriage between Louis XVI and Marie Antionette create
Created a strong European Union between the Bourbons and the Hapsburgs
Why was Marie Antionette criticised for being Austrian
Some people within the public believe that the marriage was only to further Austrian interests
Why was Marie Antionette criticised for finances
She was known Madame Deficit due to her history with lavish spending.
Why was Marie Antionette criticised for behaviour
In the general public, Louis was known to act cold towards her. This gave critics ammunition.
What was the corvee
A form of unpaid labour. This was intermittent in nature and lasted for long periods of time
Who was Anne-Robert Jacques Turgot
He was a physiocrat who was appointed by Louis
What is a physiocrat
A group of economists during the 18th century. They were influence by the enlightenment
What was Turgot employed for
To avoid state bankruptcy without borrowing
What year was Turgot employed
1774
What was Turgots’ first reform
He introduced the free trade of grain
Why didn’t the introduction of free trade of grain work
Due to bad harvests in the winter-spring of 1774-1775
This unintentionally caused the price of grain to rise
What reforms did Turgot make in 1776
Created reforms which banned the corvee
What were Turgots aims in 1776
His aims were to abolish privilege and introduce a property tax that was payable by all 3 estates
What was the reaction to Turgots aims and reforms
The parlements refused to enforce the reforms and Turgot was forced to resign by Louis XVI
Who replaced Turgot
Jacques Necker
How did Necker gain popular support
Publishing an account of the states finances called “Compte rendu au Rou”. However this only concealed the actual deficit of 46 million livres
How did publishing state finances gain popular support
He was seen as trying to be my transparent and accountable of the royal court
What happened due to Compte rendu au Rou
Due to needing to fund the American Revolutionary War, Necker had attempted to do this without taxation which had only increased debt. This in turn revealed the truth about the economic situation this created a great shock with the public
What had Necker attempted to do regarding the states financial administration
He had attempted to streamline the state’s financial administration. This would ensure that venal ministers were replace with trained and salaried officials.
What did the replacement of venal ministers do
Makes positive steps towards greater efficiency. This also created less chance for wealth businessmen to buy status
