Chapter 3: Revolution in France France and its Society in the 17th Century

France in the 17th Century Bordered on 3 sides by water Separated from England by the English Channel and the Strait of Dover Large country with many different regions

France in the 17th Century Grew many different crops (sugar beets, grapes, wheat, etc.) because of: Good climate Large land area Good rainfall A variety of soils Large rivers Provided water Provided transportation

Who owned the land? In the early 17th century, most of the land belonged to the aristocrats or the royal family, who had large feudal estates Feudal system – the ruler gave land to the lords and the lords would have serfs work on the land for them The Catholic Church also owned a lot of land 4/5 of the people farmed for a living and owed most of their produce to the feudal lord

French Society in the 17th Century It was arranged like a pyramid with the king on top followed by the aristocrats, Church, Bourgeoisie, and Peasants (workers)

French Society in the 17th Century Kings: Had the most power in French society Believed in the Divine Right of Kings

French Society in the 17th Century The church: Privileged Could tax the peasants 10% of their income (a tithe)

French Society in the 17th Century The aristocrats: Had many privileges Had few taxes to pay Displayed their wealth without embarrassment

French Society in the 17th Century The peasants: Most of the population Most farmers owned small plots of land and used medieval farming methods which did not produce well Few were literate and they had no access to education Existence was described as brutal

Peasants

French Society in the 17th Century Often victims of epidemics (diseases) and famine (hunger) Spent part of their time working on the lord’s land and government projects Were highly taxed Worked hard and kept almost nothing for themselves

French Society in the 17th Century Were not allowed to kill or drive off animals that killed their livestock or destroyed their crops (because these animals were hunted by aristocrats) The aristocrats would sometimes chase these animals through the planted fields, ruining the crops Even though they destroyed the crops, the aristocrats owed the peasants nothing

French Society in the 17th Century The Bourgeoisie: The middle class They were important to the economy because they invested in new business ventures It was difficult for them to make a profit

French Society in the 17th Century City Life in Paris: The largest city in France Many people who lived there had recently moved there from the countryside to look for work

French Society in the 17th Century City life in Paris: Typical jobs: Shopkeeper Artisan (craftsperson) Clerk Labourer

French Society in the 17th Century City life in Paris: Even if people had a job, they had to spend 50 % of their income on food (on average, in the U.S. 9.8%) Many of them were poor and lived in slums There were many beggars, vagrants and thieves The cost of goods rose a lot (inflation) because of a lot of cash coming into the cities