France's Financial Crisis and the Estates General

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Questions and Answers

What type of bread were citizens required to eat during this period?

White bread

Sourdough

Rye bread

Pain d’égalité (correct)

What was the new term for addressing men and women in France?

Citoyen and Citoyenne (correct)

Comrade and Friend

Citizen and Citizeness

Monsieur and Madame

What action was taken towards churches during this period?

They were shut down (correct)

They were converted into parks

They remained open for worship

They were rebuilt

Which political figure made a significant speech on 7 February 1794?

Robespierre Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Robespierre after the enforcement of his policies?

He was executed Signup and view all the answers

What was the underlying aim of Robespierre's policies?

To establish and consolidate democracy Signup and view all the answers

What was the public's reaction to Robespierre's relentless policies?

They demanded moderation Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the newspaper that carried Robespierre's speech?

Le Moniteur Universel Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the currency used in France before it was discontinued in 1794?

Livre Signup and view all the answers

Which group was primarily responsible for paying taxes to the state?

The Third Estate Signup and view all the answers

What type of tax was known as 'tithe'?

A tax levied by the church Signup and view all the answers

Which tax is referred to as 'taille'?

Direct tax to the state Signup and view all the answers

In the etching 'The Spider and the Fly', how is the nobleman portrayed?

As a spider Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'The more the devil has, the more he wants' imply about the nobleman?

He constantly seeks more resources Signup and view all the answers

Which tax mentioned is an example of an indirect tax?

Tax on tobacco Signup and view all the answers

What did the Church extract from the peasants?

Tithes Signup and view all the answers

What financial challenge did Louis XVI face upon his accession to the throne?

Debt from previous wars and extravagant expenses Signup and view all the answers

Which group contributed most significantly to the financial burden of the French state?

Peasants and artisans Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate level of debt Louis XVI inherited?

More than 2 billion livres Signup and view all the answers

What action did the French government take to manage its expenses?

Increased taxes on the populace Signup and view all the answers

Which factor caused lenders to charge high interest rates on loans?

War debts and financial instability Signup and view all the answers

What significant expense contributed to the empty treasury Louis XVI encountered?

The extravagant court lifestyle at Versailles Signup and view all the answers

Which estate was primarily composed of wealthy merchants and court officials?

2nd estate Signup and view all the answers

How did the financial crisis affect the government's ability to maintain its army?

It forced increased taxation to cover expenses Signup and view all the answers

What does Young imply by the phrase about dining to the accompaniment of his victims' groans?

Ignoring the suffering of others Signup and view all the answers

In the context given, who does the term 'slaves' refer to?

Those who are subjugated or oppressed in society Signup and view all the answers

Whom is Young likely criticizing in the provided content?

The ruling classes who ignore suffering Signup and view all the answers

What did Louis XVI have to do in order to impose new taxes?

Consult with the Estates General Signup and view all the answers

When did the Estates General last meet before the convocation in May 1789?

1614 Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in 1789 related to the Estates General?

The National Assembly was formed Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional change was introduced in 1791?

Guarantees of basic rights for all human beings Signup and view all the answers

What was one major issue that Louis XVI faced when he became king in 1774?

An empty treasury and growing discontent Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by the delegates of the third estate during the assembly?

They staged a walkout in protest of voting procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the members of the third estate seated at the back during the assembly?

To symbolize their lower social status. Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the third estate propose for voting in the assembly?

Each member of the assembly should have one vote. Signup and view all the answers

Who were denied entry to the assembly of the Estates General?

Peasants, artisans, and women. Signup and view all the answers

What democratic principle was advocated by philosophers like Rousseau regarding voting?

Each member should have an equal vote regardless of estate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the third estate's actions during the assembly in 1792-93?

They eventually contributed to the formation of the Jacobin republic. Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical significance of the letters brought by the third estate representatives?

They detailed the grievances of the common people. Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately ruled France after the overthrow of the Jacobin republic?

The Directory took control. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

France's Financial Woes

The French monarchy faced financial hardship due to expensive wars and an extravagant court.
The cost of helping the American colonies achieve independence from Britain added to France's debt.
Lenders demanded high interest rates on loans to the French government.
The monarchy relied heavily on taxes to fund its operations.

Taxation in France

The Third Estate bore the brunt of taxation, including direct taxes like the taille and indirect taxes on everyday goods.
The First and Second Estates (Clergy and Nobility) largely escaped taxation.
The Church levied a tithe, a tax on agricultural produce.

The Estates General

The Estates General was a political body representing the three estates.
The monarchy convened the Estates General to obtain consent for new taxes.
The last meeting was in 1614, but Louis XVI summoned it again in 1789 to address the financial crisis.

The Third Estate's Demands

The Third Estate demanded greater representation and voting power in the Estates General.
They advocated for one vote per member instead of one vote per estate.
They saw themselves as representatives of the entire French nation.

The Emergence of Democracy

The Third Estate's demands aligned with democratic principles espoused by philosophers like Rousseau.
The Third Estate walked out of the Estates General in protest when their demands were rejected.
This act of defiance marked a pivotal moment in the rise of democratic ideals in France.

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Description

Explore the financial struggles of the French monarchy leading up to the Revolution. Understand the heavy taxation on the Third Estate and the role of the Estates General in addressing the crisis. Delve into how these factors contributed to significant political changes in France.