Week 8- The clash with the parlements, May 1787- May 1788 Flashcards
What did Brienne ask the Paris Parlements to do?
To register his proposals for a land tax.
However, in July 1787, it declared that it was not competent to endorse taxation changes.
What were the views of the Paris Parlement?
Enlightenment principles were popular throughout the country.
People saw the parlements as their champions, and ‘speaking for the nation’
How did Brienne try to force registration of his proposals?
Using a lit de justice.
The Paris Parlement refused to accept this and, in July, petitioned the king for an Estates-General.
When and why was the Paris Parlement banished to Troyes?
King Louis banished them in August 1787, in response to them speaking out against him.
What impact did Louis’ actions have on the public perception of him?
The provincial parlements also unanimously refused to register the edicts.
The banishment of the Paris Parlement lead to increased rioting in the streets and public perception of the Royal Government over-extending its power.
When and why did Louis return the Paris Parlement to Paris?
September 1787.
Due to the ever-growing financial crisis.
What happened in a ‘royal session’ held by Louis in November 1787?
The duc d’Orleans criticised Louis so much he had him exiled by ‘lettres de cachet’.
Other members were also imprisoned for speaking out against him.
What made Louis give way to the demand of an Estates-General?
He agreed to it in return for Parlement’s approval for another vingtieme.
He promised to call this by 1792.
What was the ‘Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom’?
Issued by parlement on 3rd May 1788.
It claimed these laws could not be changed, even by royal demand.
They stated that the consent of an Estates-General was needed for such extreme changes being proposed by Louis.
How did Louis respond to the ‘Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom’?
By arresting more members of parlement.
He drew up plans to remove the parlement’s power.
These were known as the May Edicts.
What did the May Edicts contain?
A new plenary court appointed by the king would take responsibility for the registration of laws.
Parlements’ legal work would be transferred to lower courts.
The numbers of judges in the Paris Parlement would be reduced.
How were the May Edicts forced through?
By a lit de justice.
When were the May Edicts released?
8th May 1788
