The Ancien Regime of Pre-Revolution France Libertyville HS

The Ancien Regime The aristocratic social / political system est. in France from 1500 to late 1700s Characteristics Divine right of kings Aristocratic privilege Born to status (not earned) Appointed by king to control local government, justice system Estates system

The Estates System Estates = social classes of Ancien Regime Three social classes into which people were born Royal family “above” the Estate system, not a part of it

Three Estates of France First Estate = Church % of population = .6% (about 200,000) High clergy = drawn from nobility Lower clergy = commoners Responsibilities Record keeping Moral police (censored books) Benefits: owned 10-15% of France’s land, tax free High clergy paid no taxes

Three Estates of France Second Estate = Nobility About 2% of population, or 550,000 Duties Ran local government, judicial branch Benefits Exempt from most taxes Right to bear weapons Coat of arms

Three Estates of France Third Estate = everyone else About 97.5% of population, or 26.2 million “Bourgeoisie” = middle class Peasant farmers & urban workers Duties Pay taxes (50%+ of income) to First, Second estates & State Work!!! (Farms, factories) Serve the First, Second Estates and the State Benefits: ???

Factors contributing to French Revolution Economic factors Massive military spending Wars of Religion, 1562-1598 30 Years War, 1618-1648 Wars of Louis XIV, 1667-1697 War of Spanish Succession, 1702-1713 Seven Years War, 1756-1763 American Revolution, 1778-83 Unmanageable national debt Inequitable taxation system High food prices

Factors contributing to French Revolution Social / Political Factors Resentments of 3rd Estate Enlightenment ideas of liberty and republicanism King seen as out of touch Evil ministers + good king perception Firing ministers story