Week 7- The Assembly of Notables, Feb- May 1787 Flashcards
When did the Assembly of Notables meet?
February 1787
Who made up the Assembly?
144 men
7 princes of the blood
All the senior judges from the parlements.
14 representatives of the church.
How did the assembly respond to Calonne’s reform proposals?
The clergy were particularly hostile to the plan to tax the church.
Other notables were not convinced the situation was severe enough to warrant such extreme changes.
The errors found in the Compte Rendu Au Roi added to these issues.
Necker published an attack on Calonne.
How did Calonne respond to the criticism?
He swept aside legitimate criticisms.
He published articles accusing the Notables of putting self-interest in the way of change.
Where Calonne’s accusations true?
No.
Many Notables, like Brienne, had been influenced by the enlightenment and wanted a fairer taxation system.
However, they distrusted Calonne and were not prepared to work with him.
When was Calonne let go?
April 1787
He lost Louis’ support due to pressure from his wife.
Who replaced Calonne?
Brienne
What did Brienne do as Controller-General?
His reform proposals were based upon his predecessors.
However, he went further with his reforms.
Extended tolerance to protestants, gave local taxpayers the right to vote for provincial assemblies, followed Enlightenment principles by supporting the spread of education, abolition of tax farming and establishment of central treasury.
Why did Brienne fail?
His plans of change were overshadowed by the need for money.
His attempt to introduce Calonne’s land tax failed.
Trust in Government broke down and Notables called for an Estates-General.
When did Louis dismiss the Assembly?
May 1787
Brienne had to resort to a loan to keep the country afloat.
