Louis XVI's France and Social Structure

Louis XVI's France

• Louis XVI became King of France in 1774 at the age of 20.
• He married Marie Antoinette.
• France's financial situation was dire due to years of war and excessive court spending.
• France further burdened itself by supporting the American colonies during their fight for independence.
• High interest rates on loans exacerbated the financial situation, forcing the government to allocate a significant portion of its budget to interest payments.

French Society and Estates

• French society was divided into three estates: the clergy, nobility, and the Third Estate.
• The clergy and nobility enjoyed tax exemptions.
• The Third Estate was comprised of various groups, including wealthy businessmen, merchants, and lawyers, as well as peasants and artisans.
• Peasants, who made up around 90% of the population, were further divided into land-owning peasants (approximately 60%) and landless laborers and servants.
• The nobility, clergy, and wealthy members of the Third Estate owned most of the land.

Peasant Burden

• Peasants bore the brunt of the tax burden.
• They were responsible for the taille (direct tax) and various other indirect taxes.
• The clergy collected tithes (taxes on agricultural produce).
• Nobles imposed feudal dues, obligating peasants to work for them, serve in the army, or contribute to road construction.
• The Third Estate, despite being responsible for all taxes, had no representation in the government.