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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

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

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

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

9. 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

10. Peasants

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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