Week 1- Louis XVI as King and Government Flashcards
When did Louis XV become king?
1774 at the age of 20
How did Louis XVI become king?
His dad and elder brother held positions above him in the line of succession.
His brother died in 1761 and then his father in 1765.
This left him to inherit the throne from his grandfather Louis XV.
When did Louis XVI marry Marie Antoinette?
They were betrothed in 1768 and married in 1770.
Why did Marie and Louis get married?
It had been negotiated in an attempt to hold together the two former enemies, France and Austria.
Why was Louis criticised?
It was believed that Louis was not cut out to be King as he was weak-willed and indecisive.
He hoped to reform France and better the lives of his subjects but he knew little about politics.
Why was Marie Antoinette criticised?
She had a reputation as a spendthrift (‘Madame Defecit’).
She used her influence to advance her own pro-Austrian beliefs which made her unpopular with some members of court.
What issues were involved with life at court?
It was very expensive as court factions constantly sought royal favours (pensions, sinecures, contracts and gratitudes) to maintain their lifestyle.
The King was the ultimate dispenser of patronage.
What were the roles of the King of France?
The King was viewed as God’s representative in France.
He carried out the Divine will and was only answerable to God.
This ‘Divine right’ justified the ‘absolute’ powers of the monarch.
However, the King still needed the support of his noble elites.
He was expected to maintain conventions and to ‘rule by law’.
What role did the councils play in Government?
Government was dispensed by the ‘King and Council’.
Decisions were made by the king but he was advised by those he chose to assist him.
What were the main ‘royal courts’?
the Conseil d’Etat- dealt with issues of state and foreign affairs
the Conseil des Depeches- received despatches from the King’s officials and dealt with Church affairs.
the Conseil Royal des Finances- managed state finances and economic policy from 1787.
What was the role of the King’s ministers?
They conducted private business with the King outside of the Royal Courts.
The King had the power to choose his ministers.
What were some problems with the ministers?
The King’s choice of minister was often influenced by pressure from those around him and their personal goals rather than the minister’s ability in government.
Also, as the ministers met with the king individually, they could often persuade him to act in their favour rather than doing what was best for the country.
This meant the ruling of the country relied on a very small group of powerful men.
What was the role of the Intendants?
They were used to curb the power of ‘provincial dynasties’ that were appearing throughout France.
They were appointed by the King as royal agents to maintain rule in the provinces and send back information.
Ensuring taxes were paid
Carrying out King’s edicts
Presiding over local courts
Organising the police force
Raising troops
What were some problems with the Intendants?
They were overworked and allocated too few staff to support them.
They could not act by themselves, they had to obtain an order from the King’s council who did not always back their decisions.
They were also victims of the confused administrative set-up, having to share and negotiate power with provincial governors, officiers, parlements and seigneurs.
This all meant that little progress was made in the provinces to improve the lives of civilians.
What were ‘pays d’etats’?
Six areas of France which had been allowed the privilege of negotiating directly with the King.
They had to pay a lump sum to the King which was arranged by powerful assemblies.
