Background Notes- of the French Revolution “It was the Best of Times it was the Worst of Times”

I. Absolute Monarchy By the 1600s a system of government called absolute monarchy (monarch had total control of the state) had become dominant in Europe Following Spain’s decline (revolt in Netherlands); France under King Louis XIV emerged as the leading power. – Louis XIV ( years); I am the state! Believed in the divine right of kings- that God had ordained him and his will was law. – Palace of Versailles elaborate and burden on French economy. – Personal emblem- the Sun- whose rays symbolized the extent of his power and influence

King Louis XIV

Palace of Versailles

I. Absolute Monarchy (Cont.) – Under Louis XIV France had a 400,000 man army- most powerful in Europe – Louis XIV had territorial ambitions- wanted to extend to Rhine River- alarmed other nations. – Four wars fought between financial burden, many lives lost, French exhausted. – Louis XIV dies in 1715 and nobles win back many of the powers they had lost during his rule – Louis XV- great grandson- 59 years of debt growing…. – Louis XVI takes power young, shy, indecisive, marries Marie-Antoinette from Austria.

King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

II. Tradition of Taxation France sold the right to collect the direct tax (tax collectors were called tax farmers) Tax farmers paid the government a fixed sum after collecting what they could and keeping any extra. Clergy and nobles did not have to pay taxes

III. Social Order First Estate- Clergy 1% Second Estate- Nobles with right to primogeniture (2%) Third Estate- 97% of population – Bourgeoisie (middle class: merchants, manufacturers, and professionals/lawyers & doctors) had wealth and education—wanted political power equal to economic strength – Laborers and artisans – resented “tax farmers” and fact that nobles didn’t pay – Peasants (owed feudal dues and services); paid 1/10 th to church (tithe) – resented work and little pay, all their pay going to the lord and the church.. PLUS nobles didn’t pay!

IV. Enlightenment Ideas Ideas of Locke, Montesquieu, and others inspired the French Revolution. American Revolution – followed these ideas as the colonists successfully rebelled against Britain’s king.