Reform and Political Crisis in Late 18 th Century Europe A Prelude to Revolution

The Enlightened Despots Frederick the Great –“first servant of the state.” Catherine the Great –Did little actual reform Joseph II of Austria –Most extensive reformer. –Religious toleration and state control. –Agrarian reform (abolished serfdom)

Political Tension in Western Europe Three social estates –First Estate - clergy –Second Estate - nobility –Third Estate - bourgeoisie, workers, peasants, poor. Absolutism reduced power of assemblies (Estates General in France had not met since 1614). Conflict between monarchies and aristocracies developed (particularly in Austrian and Dutch Netherlands) and spread to the commoners.

Political Turmoil in Britain Political Turmoil in Britain King George III attempted to “buy” Parliamentary influence. Gov’t persecution of John Wilkes and other cause backlash. Calls for reform came from all classes of society.

Rebellion in America Rebellion in America British moved to have costs of American defense paid by colonists. Colonists wanted to defend their rights as British subjects - “no taxation without rep.” Theories of popular sovereignty and natural rights along with fluid social system allowed for broad revolution to succeed. First successful colonial rebellion.

France – The Ancien Régime Louis XV (r ) –Cardinal Fleury chief minister ( ) –French state faced major financial problems. –Bureaucracy inefficient. –Nobility began to demand more rights

France – The Ancien Régime Louis XVI (r ) –Attempted to make financial reforms. –Appointed Jacques Turgot financial minister. Cut spending – hurt some. –Jacques Necker takes his place as financial minister. Increases spending – problems continue.