How France was Ruled and Governed Flashcards
During which centuries was France ruled by the Bourbon dynasty?
17th and 18th
Between which 2 years were there only 2 kings? What kings were they?
1643-1774 Louis XIV (14th) (Sun King) Louis XV (15th)
When did Louis XIV rule?
1643-1715
What was Louis XIV responsible for moving?
The main residence of the Bourbon family from Paris to outside Versailles
Why did Louis XIV move his family from Paris to Versailles?
To distance the monarchy from the people
What did Louis XIV famously declare?
“I am the state”
Why did the system of absolutist government function well under Louis XIV?
He was a strong and active ruler
When did Louis XV rule?
1715-1774
How old was Louis XV when succeeded his great-grandfather as king of France?
5
What was a regency?
A group of people appointed to administer a state due to the monarch being a minor
Who did Louis XV rely on to govern in his name during his early years?
His ministers
Because Louis XV was content to allow his ministers to govern in his name, what did many see him as?
Lazy and pleasure-loving
Who was Louis XV’s most famous mistress?
Madame de Pompadour
What did Madame de Pompadour advise Louis XV on?
Appointing ministers and generals
What year did Louis XV survive an assassination attempt?
1757
When did Louis XVI rule?
1774-1792
Who did Louis XVI inherit the throne from?
His grandfather
What did Louis XVI’s lack of strong leadership and indecisiveness fail to deal with?
Mounting demands for change
Urgent need to tackle the financial crisis
Attempts at reform
What was the Estates-General
The French governmental body consisting of separate assemblies for each of the 3 Estates
When was the Estates-General last called?
1614
What did the Estates-General confirm to Louis XVI’s opponents?
The depths of the crisis
When was the Estates-General?
5th May 1789 – 17th Jun 1789
