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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'Old Regime' refer to in the context of French history?
What does the term 'Old Regime' refer to in the context of French history?
- The system of governance in France before 1789 (correct)
- The period of industrialization in France
- The era of Enlightenment thinkers in France
- The time of the French Empire under Napoleon
Which of the following best summarizes King Louis XV's views on sovereignty?
Which of the following best summarizes King Louis XV's views on sovereignty?
- Sovereign power is derived from the people's consent.
- Authority should be shared among various social classes.
- Political decisions should be made through democratic processes.
- Legitimate authority flows from divine right and personal control. (correct)
What role did the Roman Catholic Church play in the Old Regime French society?
What role did the Roman Catholic Church play in the Old Regime French society?
- It was instrumental in promoting revolutionary ideas.
- It sought to end social class divisions.
- It focused solely on spiritual guidance with no political influence.
- It served as a significant power alongside the monarchy. (correct)
What was a significant societal condition in late eighteenth-century France that contributed to the revolution?
What was a significant societal condition in late eighteenth-century France that contributed to the revolution?
In what way was King Louis XVI's perception of power similar to that of King Louis XV?
In what way was King Louis XVI's perception of power similar to that of King Louis XV?
What was Montesquieu's key contribution to political thought?
What was Montesquieu's key contribution to political thought?
What did Rousseau argue about the legitimacy of governments?
What did Rousseau argue about the legitimacy of governments?
According to Montesquieu, how should power be structured to avoid abuse?
According to Montesquieu, how should power be structured to avoid abuse?
What was Rousseau's view on the 'general will'?
What was Rousseau's view on the 'general will'?
Why was Rousseau forced to flee France?
Why was Rousseau forced to flee France?
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Study Notes
Life in Eighteenth Century France
- The Old Regime refers to the political and social system in France before 1789.
- Significant economic hardship and social inequality characterized life, primarily due to concentration of wealth and power.
- Absolute monarchy was established, exemplified by King Louis XV's assertion of sovereign power.
King Louis XVI and the Monarchy
- Louis XVI ruled from the opulent Palace of Versailles, relying on a vast entourage.
- The court expenditure was funded through heavy taxes on the populace.
- Louis XVI preferred hands-on activities like locksmithing over governance, indicating a disconnect from political responsibilities.
- Marie Antoinette, the queen, faced criticism and distrust partly due to her foreign birth and alleged extravagance.
Political Structure and Power Dynamics
- France had a fragmented political structure with local autonomy and varying taxation across regions.
- Historians refer to pre-revolutionary France as a plutocracy, benefiting the wealthy minority while ignoring the majority's plight.
- The Estates General, convened by the king, was a representative assembly divided into three estates: clergy (First Estate), nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate).
Role of the Roman Catholic Church
- The Church held significant influence, with approximately one-third of the population literate during Louis XVI's reign.
- Education and literacy were limited to the wealthy, though there was a gradual increase in educational opportunities for the poor.
The Enlightenment Influence
- The Age of Enlightenment fostered new ideas around governance and society, affecting political thought in France and Europe.
- Writers and philosophers, including Montesquieu and Rousseau, challenged traditional authority and proposed concepts like separation of powers and general will.
- Montesquieu's "The Spirit of Laws" proposed governmental checks and balances, while Rousseau emphasized the importance of popular sovereignty.
Cultural Developments
- Increased availability of newspapers and journals contributed to a rise in political awareness and discourse among the populace.
- Public coffee houses and private salons became venues for discussing new political ideas and social change.
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