Society during the late 18th century Flashcards
Which family did Louis XVI belong to?
Bourbon
Why was the financial state of France in decline?
(i) Long years of war had drained the financial resources of France. (ii) The high cost of maintenance of the immense palace of Versailles and court. (iii) Under Louis XVI France helped the thirteen American colonies to gain independence. (iv) War added to debt.
Why was the state forced to increase taxes?
a) Meeting regular expenses such as the army, running govt offices/uni’s, the court, but this method did not suffice.
Describe the old regime.
Society and institution of france before 18th century:
a) the first estate - Clergy
b) the second estate - nobility
c) the third estate- peasants, middle class
Elaborate on the ownership of land in the old regime.
Though 90% of the population was peasants, they owned only a small portion of the land that they cultivated.
60% of the land was owned by nobles, the clergy and other richer members of the 3rd estate.
Describe the feudal system of taxes.
The nobility and clergy didnt have to pay taxes.
The nobles enjoyed feudal priveleges- feudal dues from peasants. The peasants were also obligated to provide labour to him or serve in the army.
Tithes : extracted by the church and consituted 1/10th of the agricultural produce by the peasants.
Taille: direct tax to the state
+Indirect taxes levied on daily commodities such as sugar and tobacco.
Subsistence crisis, cause and effect.
Cause: a) Rise in population from 23 million to 28 million in a period of 34 years, leading to the rapid increase in demand for foodgrains.
b) Rapid rise in prices of bread (staple food)
Effect: a) The wages of the labourers weren’t kept in pace with the rise in prices - gap b/w rich and poor widened. droughts/ hails further added to the prob
finally leading to the subsistence crisis.
Define subsistence crisis.
An extreme situation where the basic means of livelihood are endangered.
