French Society in the 17 th Century: Rich vs. Poor

The country of France

Distribution of Land  Most land belonged to the aristocrats (nobles) or the royal family  Catholic Church was also a major land owner  Feudal system – strip farming in which the lords owned the land and peasants simply worked it  Most peasants were farmers and owed most of their product to their lords

French Society  Three parts: Peasants and the poor in the cities (most people) Peasants and the poor in the cities (most people) Bourgeoisie (middle class) Bourgeoisie (middle class) Upper Class (King, aristocrats and leading members of the Catholic Church) Upper Class (King, aristocrats and leading members of the Catholic Church) Upper Class Bourgeoisie Peasants & the Poor

Peasants  Many worked as farmers on feudal manors – they didn’t own the land or what they farmed  Life was harsh and brutal for most  Few could read or write and had no access to education  Heavily taxed by the aristocrats so many had little to show for their hard work

Poor in the City  Most poor were those who had come from the countryside looking for a better life  Worked as shopkeepers, artisans, clerks or labourers  Food was expensive so many were poor and lived in slums  Many of the poor became beggars, vagrants and thieves

The Bourgeoisie  As cities were forming and growing, successful artisans and tradesmen began to emerge Formed guilds to conduct business and protect their profits Formed guilds to conduct business and protect their profits Still, monopolies and controls held by the King made it difficult for them to make a profit Still, monopolies and controls held by the King made it difficult for them to make a profit  As a result, many supported overthrowing the laws and privileges of the feudal order Also supported personal liberties, freedoms and civil rights Also supported personal liberties, freedoms and civil rights

Upper Class  Consisted of the King, aristocrats and leading members of the Catholic Church  Extremely wealthy and spent money on extravagant meals and goods  Lived a lavish lifestyle with no concern for many of the other people living in France during this time

The Sun King Louis XIV  Ruled France for 72 years!  Saw himself as the center for arts and culture arts and culture Gave himself the name “Sun Gave himself the name “Sun King” because he believed he King” because he believed he was the source of all light in was the source of all light in the nation the nation  Built a massive palace at Versailles to solidify his importance Became the royal residence of France Became the royal residence of France

Life at Versailles  Louis forced all important nobles to live at Versailles with him  Daily life revolved around the King – royal ceremonies for every part of the day  Life for many nobles was boring as they were not part of the government Louis ruled the country on his own with the help of only a few ministers – saw himself as an absolute monarch (total power) Louis ruled the country on his own with the help of only a few ministers – saw himself as an absolute monarch (total power)

Palace of Versailles

 Took 50 years and 36,000 people to build  Housed 5,000 people, including servants  The palace covers 19,000 acres of land and the massive gardens themselves include about 37,000 acres of land!  One of the largest palaces in the world - it has more than 700 rooms, 2000 windows, 1250 fireplaces, 67 staircases and 17 massive chandeliers in the Hall of Mirrors alone!

Palace of Versailles DrA DrA