Pre-revolutionary France Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the Estates General?

An assembly that represented the entire French population through three groups, known as estates; called by King Louis XVI in May 1789 to discuss the financial crises.

What was the First Estate made up of?

The clergy of the Roman Catholic Church.

What characterized the Second Estate?

Rich nobles who owned 20 percent of the land in France and paid almost no taxes.

Who made up the Third Estate?

Bourgeoisie, peasants, and urban workers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Bourgeoisie' refer to?

Middle class including bankers, factory owners, merchants, professionals, and skilled artisans. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Louis XVI?

The French king who inherited considerable debt and borrowed heavily to help American revolutionaries. Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of Marie Antoinette?

She was vain, proud, married to Louis XVI at 14, had little interest in politics, and was known for her extravagance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lettre de cachet?

A royal order signed by the King for a person to be arrested and imprisoned without trial. Signup and view all the answers

What was the taille?

A direct tax on the French peasantry, the most important source of income for monarchs until the French Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bastille known for?

A medieval fortress converted to a prison that was stormed for ammunition during the French Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ancien Regime refer to?

The old order in which France was divided into three social classes, with two classes being privileged. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Estates General

Assembly representing the French population through three estates, convened by King Louis XVI in May 1789 to address financial issues.

First Estate

Composed of the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, this estate held significant privileges and was exempt from direct taxes.

Second Estate

Made up of wealthy nobles, owning about 20% of France's land and similarly enjoying near-total tax exemptions.

Third Estate

The largest estate, encompassing the Bourgeoisie, Peasants, and Urban Workers; characterized by minimal wealth and power but responsible for nearly all taxation.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, including bankers, factory owners, and skilled professionals; well-educated advocates of Enlightenment principles, often wealthy yet heavily taxed without privileges.

Louis XVI

French monarch inheriting substantial debt and heavily borrowing to support American revolutionaries against Britain, ultimately straining the economy.

Marie Antoinette

Louis XVI's wife, known for vanity and a lack of political interest; faced public disfavor due to her foreign origins, spending habits, and delays in producing a male heir, earning her the nickname "Madame Deficit."

Lettre de Cachet

A royal decree allowing the King to order the arrest and imprisonment of individuals without trial, reinforcing the monarchy's absolute power.

Taille

A direct tax imposed on French peasants that constituted a primary income source for the monarchy, exempting the nobility and clergy.

Bastille

A medieval fortress turned prison, stormed by peasants seeking ammunition at the French Revolution's onset, becoming a powerful symbol of tyranny.

Ancien Regime

The traditional social hierarchy in France divided into three estates, with the clergy and nobility enjoying privileges over the commoners.

Description

Explore the key terms and concepts surrounding Pre-revolutionary France with these flashcards. Each term provides essential context about the social structure and events leading up to the French Revolution, including the Estates General and the roles of the First and Second Estates. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike!