Social Studies-French Revolution-Pre Revolution

What was France Pre-Revolution?

• Still under feudal system (strict social classes, no equal rights)

• Absolute Monarchy (Ruled by a king with complete power), DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS (God choose them, could not be questioned)

• Had a social structure

What were the roles of the social structure?

• Clergy of the Catholic Church

• Nobility and Aristocrats

• Everyone else

Who were the clergy?

• Religious Authority

• Owned lands, very wealthy

• Political Influence

• Privileges such as no taxes

Who were the nobility/aristocrats?

• Consisted of Dukes, counts, barons (mostly hereditary) meaning the titles were inherited

• Land and wealth

• Political and military influence

• Privileges such as no taxes

Who was “everyone else”?

• Bourgeoisie-middle class, wealthier

• Commoners-poor

• Urban workers-poor

• Little to no representation

• Taxed heavily

Who was Louis XIV?

• The SUN KING

• Ruled France for 72 years (1643-1715)

• L’etat c’est moi-I am the nation (believed he was France)

• Built a vast palace at Versailles and moved the royal court there

• Participated in many wars-unsuccessful

• Persecuted protestants (many left)

• Actions depleted France’s finances

• Died in 1715

Who was King Louis XV?

• Reigned 1715-1774

• Many costly wars-huge debt

• Continued lavish spending

• reputation declined (Parlement blocked economic reform and tax changes, Enlightment thinkers’ influence grew while monarchy’s fell, mistresses caused scandals and political interference, seen as lazy, corrupt, incompetent)

• Famous quote “Apres nous, le deluge”-After us the flood (After I die, there will be a lot to deal with)