The Structure of the Ancien Regime Flashcards
In what year did Louis XVI become King of France? Why wasn’t he suited to be King? - Ancien Regime
Louis XVI became King of France in 1774.
Louis not originally expected to be King. Lacked the charm of his grandfather, Louis XV, and was weak willed and indecisive. Had little understanding of politics.
When was Louis married to Marie Antoinette? What was the marriage INTENDED to do for France? - Ancien Regime
Louis married Marie Antoinette in 1770, with their marriage intended to maintain peace between former enemies France and Austria. Antoinette was Austrian.
What was Marie Antoinette’s reputation as? What did this lead to from the French public? - Ancien Regime
She was known as a spendthrift, an example being of the spending of a large sum of money on a diamond necklace when involved in an affair. This resulted in the nicknames ‘Madame Deficit’ and ‘the Austrian bitch’.
By what method was Louis able to govern as the head of the French state? Describe the powers available to Louis. - Ancien Regime
Louis was able to govern through the divine right of kings, which was supposed to identify Louis as God’s representative to the people.
Louis was able to make laws and ensure that they were carried out at his pleasure. The DIVINE RIGHT.
How were there restrictions on the absolutism of the monarch? - Ancien Regime
The King was expected to rule within the conventions of France and rule ‘by the law,’ in that he should not overstep the boundaries created by the law.
What did it mean that the King had to rule ‘by the law’? - Ancien Regime
He had to uphold Christian morality and respect the rights and privileges of his subjects.
What is the theory that France should be governed by ‘King in Council’? - Ancien Regime
‘King in Council’ is the idea that the monarch should only make decisions and exercise his power following the advice of his close advisors.
What was the role of the…
- Conseil d’Etat (Council of State)
- Conseil des Dépêches
- Conseil Royal des Finances?
- Ancien Regime
- Dealt with issues of domestic and foreign affairs.
- Received despatches from King’s provincial officials.
- Managed state finances and household costs. From 1787, dealt with economic policy.
What is a Lettre de Cachet? What is this an example of the monarch acting as? - Ancien Regime
A letter approved by the royal seal which could order the imprisonments of any of the King’s subjects.
Example of a despotic ruler.
What examples are there of the 3 Councils not holding all of France’s powers? - Ancien Regime
Power tended to fall into the hands of a small number of influential individuals, who conducted private business with the monarch.
EG. Key ministers such as Secretaries of State for War, Foreign Affairs and the Royal Household.
What were intendants? Give 3 examples of specific duties of intendants. - Ancien Regime
Intendants were royal civil servants who helped the King maintain power in the provinces. Relayed information from these provinces to central government on economic and social situations.
Ensured taxes were paid, ensured the King’s royal edicts were enacted, raised troops, presided over local courts.
Why were the roles of intendants made so difficult? - Ancien Regime
Intendants allocated too few staff to fulfil duties and were overworked. Couldn’t make decisions by themselves as they needed to obtain orders from the King’s council to do so.
What were provincial governors’ jobs? Where did they preside over? What problems had arisen in this profession? - Ancien Regime
Governors drawn from the nobility who oversaw running of provinces. King’s provincial representatives. Responsible for maintaining order in regions and had ability to call provincial parlements.
Some governor roles had become entrenched in certain families, essentially creating a provincial dynasty which undermined intendants.
What were the pays d’états? - Ancien Regime
A selection of 6 regions within France which were able to negotiate with the Crown on the issue of taxation.
How had officiers in municipal administrations acquired their position? - Ancien Regime
The officiers in municipal administrations had acquired their offices through the system of venality, the process of buying offices.
How many venal (bought through venality) offices were there in France by the 18th Century? In what professions? - Ancien Regime
70,000 venal offices comprising the entire judiciary, most lawyers, army officers and other fairly rich professions.