How far could the historian make use of Sources 1 and 2 together to investigate the seriousness of the financial problems facing the French monarchy in the years before 1789? (2017) Flashcards
SOURCE 1 origin and nature
Having travelled widely across France in the late 1780s, the author could potentially offer an informed view on the seriousness of the financial problems facing the French monarchy
His interest in economics would potentially give his observations about the seriousness of the financial problems greater credibility
The partisan nature of the source is evident from the use of language to reinforce points (‘King who lacks the mental resources to govern’, ‘royal court … devoted to pleasure and indulgence’).
SOURCE 1 inferences about the seriousness of the financial problems facing the French monarchy in the years before 1789
It suggests that French people were concerned about the state of the monarchy’s finances (‘The whole group agreed … confused state of the nation’s finances’)
It suggests that the French monarchy on its own is incapable of solving these financial problems (‘with a deficit …. of the kingdom assembling’)
It suggests that French people were more concerned with the country’s
financial problems than the political difficulties that might follow (‘no conversation… bankruptcy was a much discussed topic’).
SOURCE 1 own knowledge
The French monarchy’s financial situation steadily worsened (e.g. in the years 1774 to 1788 royal debt had increased over threefold from 40 million livres to 126 million livres) largely due to war expenditure
Louis XVI’s ministers – Turgot, Necker, Calonne and Brienne – all failed to solve the financial crisis
The chaotic and inefficient tax system, with its exemptions for the privileged, contributed to the financial crisis and generated resentment and criticism among the Third Estate which shouldered the tax burden.
SOURCE 2 origin and nature
The status of the source (a Royal Edict) offers the French monarchy’s official position on the financial problems
As a document intended for public consumption, the Edict is clearly designed to reassure the French people about the future of the government’s finances
The optimistic tone of the language used in the source is probably designed to disguise the extent of the financial disaster (‘its resources are even greater’, ‘followed by a complete recovery’).
SOURCE 2 inferences about the seriousness of the financial problems facing the French monarchy in the years before 1789
It indicates that the financial crisis has placed the French monarchy in a serious position (‘if its distress is great’, ‘payments made … not in paper money’, ‘when circumstances … raise a loan’)
It suggests that the government expects the meeting of the Estates- General to improve the financial situation (‘the crisis should become less serious … Estates General approaches’, ‘until the meeting of the Estates General’)
It indicates that a negative public reaction will only make things worse (‘except by anxiety and fear’, ‘safeguarded from all alarm and disquiet’).
SOURCE 2 own knowledge
The declaration of bankruptcy in August 1788 compelled Louis XVI to agree to call the Estates-General which amounted to an admission that the royal government had failed to address the problems of national debt and state finance
The Edict led to panic on the French stock market as government funds plummeted and there was a run on the main bank
The suspension of treasury payments meant that lenders were no longer prepared to offer loans to the state; this had serious implications because the government would be unable to pay its army or fund the royal court.
SOURCE 1 & 2 together
Both sources indicate that the financial problems facing the French
monarchy were serious in the years before 1789
Both sources suggest that the calling of the Estates-General offered a
solution to these serious financial difficulties
These points of agreement are reinforced due to the contrasting positions
of the authors (an informed English traveller and the French government).
