1. Life in France in 1700’s

2. (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

3. 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?

4. 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%)

5. 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

6. Largest city in France 600 000 people
p.60: city life: Paris
Largest city in France 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

7. 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