Life in France in 1700’s

(p. 56) Introduction The French Revolution changed France forever and effected the development of Democracy Inequality and lack of understanding: the monarchy had lost touch with their subjects, taxes were high, country was in debt. Upper class live lavishly Still has feudal system (opposites of poverty and privilege) Restrictions of middle class block economic improvements – middle class called the “Bourgeoisie” King is an absolute monarch Enlightenment philosophers’ ideas inspire the people of France; these thinkers oppose absolute monarchy, support democracy, equality, and hate injustice

Has large rivers providing water, and transportation (p. 56) Regions of France See map Climate, rain, soil = many crops such as sugar, beets, and grapes (wine), wheat crops Has large rivers providing water, and transportation Mot land belongs to aristocrats or royal family, or the catholic church 4 of 5 people were farmers and owed the bulk of their produce to the lord Why might unequal distribution of land and wealth become a problem?

p.59-61) Society: class system Still have feudal pyramid: King, nobility (and church), and commoners on the bottom Aristocrats (nobles) had many privileges and few taxes Label the feudal pyramid: Monarch Nobility/ church Commoners/ peasants (90%)

Work hard and have little to show for it p.59: Peasants Farmers still use medieval methods and do not produce as much per hectare as other counties Work hard and have little to show for it Victims of famine, are superstitious, and have no access to education Forces to spend time working on lord’s property and government projects Forbidden to kill animals that killed livestock, as aristocrats chased game

Largest city in France 600 000 people p.60: city life: Paris Largest city in France 600 000 people Even those employed as shopkeepers, artisans, clerks or labourers spent half their income on food, meaning they were poor and lived in slums Paris has many vagrants, beggars and thieves Ordinary people have to deal with inflation, making everything (like flour) very expensive – burden to the people because bread is a staple to the diet of most

Monopolies were held on production of certain goods p.61: Bourgeoisie Laws and regulations make it difficult for bourgeoisie to make a profit Monopolies were held on production of certain goods Guilds held special privileges France was divided into districts with internal tariffs and tolls Lack of decent roads and canals made trade difficult Government doing very little to develop necessary infrastructure