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Questions and Answers
What was one of the primary reasons women began to participate more in public life around the time mentioned?
What was one of the primary reasons women began to participate more in public life around the time mentioned?
- They needed money for their subsistence. (correct)
- They were encouraged by their families.
- They were inspired by political movements.
- They sought to earn equal pay.
Which group is described as the largest well-off category in France during the time mentioned?
Which group is described as the largest well-off category in France during the time mentioned?
- Bourgeoisie (correct)
- Clergy
- Proletariat
- Nobility
What was a notable characteristic of servants during the reign of Louis XVI?
What was a notable characteristic of servants during the reign of Louis XVI?
- They frequently married into wealthy families.
- They were treated equally by their masters.
- They had a high turnover rate due to dissatisfaction. (correct)
- They were viewed as essential for social events.
How did the economy change between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XVI?
How did the economy change between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XVI?
What types of goods did the bourgeoisie invest in as their wealth grew?
What types of goods did the bourgeoisie invest in as their wealth grew?
What was a consequence of the significant growth of the bourgeoisie in France?
What was a consequence of the significant growth of the bourgeoisie in France?
What was one significant reason the bourgeoisie invested in education?
What was one significant reason the bourgeoisie invested in education?
Which group owned about one-third of the land during the eighteenth century?
Which group owned about one-third of the land during the eighteenth century?
What was a special privilege enjoyed by the nobility?
What was a special privilege enjoyed by the nobility?
Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the lifestyle of the nobility?
Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the lifestyle of the nobility?
What factor contributed to the growth of new ideas in France during this period?
What factor contributed to the growth of new ideas in France during this period?
Approximately how much of the revenues of the Roman Catholic Church went to the clergy who were also nobles?
Approximately how much of the revenues of the Roman Catholic Church went to the clergy who were also nobles?
What economic reality challenged the perception of wealth within the nobility?
What economic reality challenged the perception of wealth within the nobility?
In the social hierarchy of the time, what role did the nobility play in advising the king?
In the social hierarchy of the time, what role did the nobility play in advising the king?
What was the main cause of gossip and criticism directed at Marie Antoinette?
What was the main cause of gossip and criticism directed at Marie Antoinette?
How did the regions farthest from Paris exercise their autonomy in pre-revolutionary France?
How did the regions farthest from Paris exercise their autonomy in pre-revolutionary France?
Which term has been used by historians to describe the government of pre-revolutionary France?
Which term has been used by historians to describe the government of pre-revolutionary France?
What allegation is commonly associated with Marie Antoinette regarding the plight of the poor?
What allegation is commonly associated with Marie Antoinette regarding the plight of the poor?
What was one characteristic of the population's relationship with Louis XVI?
What was one characteristic of the population's relationship with Louis XVI?
What societal issue did the story of Marie Antoinette likely aim to highlight?
What societal issue did the story of Marie Antoinette likely aim to highlight?
What was the primary source of income for the lesser members of the nobility?
What was the primary source of income for the lesser members of the nobility?
What was the main feeling that king Louis XVI experienced regarding his responsibilities?
What was the main feeling that king Louis XVI experienced regarding his responsibilities?
How many people approximately worked at the Palace of Versailles?
How many people approximately worked at the Palace of Versailles?
What activity did king Louis XVI prefer over consulting with his ministers?
What activity did king Louis XVI prefer over consulting with his ministers?
What could be a potential consequence of the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few in France?
What could be a potential consequence of the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few in France?
In what way did the nobility assert their social superiority?
In what way did the nobility assert their social superiority?
Where did King Louis XVI rule France from?
Where did King Louis XVI rule France from?
How often did members of the general public gather to watch the royal couple eat their meal?
How often did members of the general public gather to watch the royal couple eat their meal?
What was a significant social issue stemming from the lifestyle of the king and the nobility?
What was a significant social issue stemming from the lifestyle of the king and the nobility?
Why was the expense of maintaining the Palace of Versailles significant?
Why was the expense of maintaining the Palace of Versailles significant?
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Study Notes
Role of Women
- Women became crucial participants in economic activities for their subsistence around the late 18th century.
- Their public involvement increased significantly during this period.
Bourgeoisie
- The bourgeoisie was the largest group of well-off individuals in France, roughly equivalent to today’s middle class.
- In 1789, the bourgeoisie numbered about two to three million, making up approximately 10% of the total French population.
- They primarily derived wealth from industry, commerce, and trade, which increased from the reigns of Louis XIV to Louis XVI, leading to a tripling of their population.
- The bourgeoisie invested heavily in land, education, and luxury goods, viewing education as a means for future prosperity.
Servants
- Approximately 5 to 7% of the urban population were servants, with about 50,000 in Paris during Louis XVI’s reign.
- Many servants were migrants from the countryside, benefitting from basic needs but experiencing harsh working conditions.
- High turnover rates indicated dissatisfaction among servants, who often faced restrictions on personal relationships and poor treatment.
Nobility
- The nobility held significant social privileges, including exemption from complex taxes that burdened the bourgeoisie and peasants.
- With around 300,000 members, the nobility wielded immense power, concentrated wealth, and political influence, primarily relying on collecting fees and taxes from their lands.
- Many nobles were not wealthy in comparison to some members of the bourgeoisie, creating resentment and class tension.
Life of the King and Royal Family
- King Louis XVI ruled from the lavish Palace of Versailles, which required about 10,000 staff to maintain.
- The royal family's extravagant lifestyle was funded through taxes collected from the populace of France.
- Marie Antoinette faced criticism for her perceived extravagance, including the infamous "let them eat cake" quote, which lacks evidence but illustrates public perception of her disconnect from ordinary lives.
Political Structure
- Louis XVI claimed absolute authority, but regional autonomy existed, complicating governance.
- The political structure is often described as a plutocracy, favoring the wealthy minority of nobility and clergy over the general population.
Role of the Roman Catholic Church
- The Church was intertwined with the nobility, with about 25% of its revenue going to nobles within the clergy.
- The Church held special privileges and power, often aligning with the interests of the nobility and contributing to societal inequality.
Enlightenment Thinkers
- Denis Diderot advocated for natural rights and equality before the law.
- Voltaire criticized social hierarchies and dependency rather than a focus on inequality.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau opposed the notion that progress in arts and sciences benefited humanity, promoting ideas of social contract in his works.
- Montesquieu critiqued societal advancements, suggesting that they hindered human progress.
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