Ancien Régime and French Revolution

Study Notes

Ancien Régime: The Monarchy, Nobility, Estates, and Revolutions

The Ancien Régime, or Old Regime, was the dominant social and political system in France from the 15th century until the French Revolution in 1789. It was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy and a centralized monarchy that controlled the country.

Monarchy

The monarchy was the highest rank in the Ancien Régime's social hierarchy. The king held absolute power and was considered the source of all authority. He had the power to make laws, collect taxes, and maintain the army. The monarchy was also responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting the country from external threats. The monarchy was considered a divinely appointed institution, and the king was considered the representative of God on earth.

Nobility

The nobility, or Second Estate, was the second highest rank in the social hierarchy. The nobility was divided into two categories: the nobility of the sword, which consisted of knights and warriors, and the nobility of the robe, which consisted of magistrates and officials. The nobility enjoyed special privileges, such as exemption from certain taxes and the right to bear arms. They also held many of the positions of power in the country, including seats on the 13 parlements, or supreme courts.

Estates

The Ancien Régime was divided into three estates: the First Estate, the Second Estate, and the Third Estate. The First Estate comprised the entire clergy, the Second Estate was the French nobility, and the Third Estate was everyone else. The Third Estate was by far the largest and most diverse group, making up 98% of the population. However, the Third Estate had the least amount of rights and was subject to heavy taxation.

Revolutions

The Ancien Régime began to break down in the late 18th century due to a number of factors, including the stresses of war, debt, mismanagement, and bad harvests. Riots and revolts began to break out in protest, and by 1789, revolution was on its way. The French Revolution marked the end of the Ancien Régime and the beginning of a new era in French history.

Taxation

Taxation was a major issue in the Ancien Régime. The First and Second Estates did not have to pay taxes, so the burden of taxation was left entirely to the Third Estate. The most hated and grossly unequal form of taxation was the gabelle, a tax on salt that stood as one of the most hated and grossly unequal forms of taxation. The taille was another direct land tax on the French peasantry and non-nobles in Ancien Régime France, imposed on each household based on how much land it held.

The Ancien Régime was a complex and unequal social and political system. It was characterized by a rigid hierarchy, with the monarchy at the top and the Third Estate at the bottom. The system was also marked by widespread social inequality, with the First and Second Estates enjoying special privileges while the Third Estate bore the brunt of the taxation. The French Revolution marked the end of the Ancien Régime and the beginning of a new era in French history, characterized by greater equality and the end of the monarchy.

Description

Explore the social hierarchy, monarchy, nobility, estates, revolutions, and taxation system of the Ancien Régime in France, leading to the French Revolution of 1789. Understand the rigid structure, inequalities, and factors that led to the downfall of the old regime.