The French Revolution: Old Regime

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Questions and Answers

What type of power did King Louis XV assert in his statement regarding sovereignty?

Conditional power based on public consent

Absolute power residing solely in him (correct)

Divided power among branches of government

Shared power with the nobility

Which of the following factors contributed to the complex society of France in the late eighteenth century?

The unification of political ideas under one doctrine

The decline of the Roman Catholic Church's influence

Emergence of new ideas about society and competing interests (correct)

The absence of any social classes

What was one major role of the Roman Catholic Church during the Old Regime in France?

To facilitate a separation of powers among government branches

To control the economy and trade practices

To promote absolute democracy

To support the absolute authority of the monarchy (correct)

What aspect of legislative power did King Louis XV emphasize in his ruling?

Its absolute nature belonging solely to him Signup and view all the answers

How did King Louis XVI perceive his authority compared to King Louis XV?

He maintained a similar belief in absolute power. Signup and view all the answers

What statement best reflects the economic conditions of the French people during the Old Regime?

Many French citizens faced significant economic challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the competing ideas in French society during the late eighteenth century?

The eventual rise of revolutionary sentiments and actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the beliefs of the French people regarding their political authority before 1789?

They believed in and accepted absolute monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate percentage of workers in cities that were servants during the reign of Louis XVI?

5 to 7 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Estates General when it was established?

To provide counsel in times of crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the increase in the number of bourgeoisie between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XVI?

Economic growth in industry and commerce Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups was NOT part of the Estates General?

The bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

What was a common disadvantage faced by servants in Paris?

Prohibition on relationships and marriage Signup and view all the answers

What significant social change was occurring in France during Louis XVI's reign?

An increase in literacy rates among the poor Signup and view all the answers

How did the attitudes of servants towards their masters generally trend during the time period discussed?

Servants held a disdain for their masters Signup and view all the answers

Which gathering method was commonly used during this period for discussing political ideas?

Public coffee houses Signup and view all the answers

Which group made up the largest part of the bourgeoisie in France?

Merchants and businessmen Signup and view all the answers

What significant societal change occurred for women in public life within the context provided?

Women started to earn money regularly Signup and view all the answers

Which monarch's actions are traced as the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment in France?

Louis XIV Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate increase in the population of France during the reigns of Louis XIV to Louis XVI?

25 percent Signup and view all the answers

What luxury goods did the bourgeoisie commonly purchase during this era?

Coffee and sugar from the Caribbean Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the high turnover rate of servants during the reign of Louis XVI?

Dissatisfaction with poor treatment by masters Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the overall population did the bourgeoisie represent in France in 1789?

10 percent Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of peasants in France worked in agriculture?

More than 85 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was a common cause of death among peasants?

Illness and poor nutrition Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the living conditions of the peasants?

Most lived in houses with dirt floors, insufficient ventilation, and shared with animals. Signup and view all the answers

How did the peasants view their social hierarchy?

They were expected to obey their social betters and pay dues. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary challenge faced by peasant families?

Poverty and hunger Signup and view all the answers

What was the average life expectancy of peasants in the countryside?

Less than half lived to the age of fifteen Signup and view all the answers

Which function did the king serve in an absolute monarchy?

The sole representative of France and its authority Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant demographic characteristic of the peasant population?

Peasants had different customs and spoke various languages. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'absolute monarchy' refer to?

A system where the monarch has unchecked power Signup and view all the answers

What was the average hardship faced by peasants in their daily lives?

They faced regular experiences of hardship, hunger, and suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of land in France was owned by the church?

10 percent Signup and view all the answers

What type of law did the northern provinces of France primarily rely on?

Customary law Signup and view all the answers

Who were often appointed by the king to higher-ranking church positions?

Bishops and cardinals Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase describes the king's acknowledged power during the eighteenth century in France?

Divine right of kings Signup and view all the answers

How did the church contribute to the government's decrees or warnings?

Often issued through the church Signup and view all the answers

Why did many French people resent higher-ranking clergymen?

They were often appointed by the king and were nobles Signup and view all the answers

What was the main source of revenue collected by the church?

Tithes from the congregation Signup and view all the answers

Which legal code was more prevalent in the southern provinces of France?

Roman-derived law Signup and view all the answers

What was a common reaction of the people during the king's coronation?

Many fainted or wept with joy Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant problem in France during the time described?

Widespread poverty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life in Eighteenth Century France

The Old Regime refers to the political system in France prior to 1789.
Sovereign power was believed to be centered in the monarchy, with King Louis XV asserting that his courts derived authority from him alone.
French society faced economic difficulties, widespread poverty, and significant social stratification.

Peasants constituted over 85% of the French population, primarily working in agriculture.
Life for peasants was arduous, with high mortality rates; one in five infants died before age one, and less than half reached age fifteen.
The bourgeoisie, or middle class, numbered two to three million in 1789 and represented roughly 10% of the population, mainly making money through industry and trade.

Living Conditions and Labor

Peasant families typically lived in one or two-room dirt-floored houses, often shared with farm animals, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Many workers were employed as servants, accounting for 5-7% of urban populations. They faced strict conditions and were often poorly treated.

Role of the Catholic Church

The church owned about 10% of French land and collected tithes, contributing to the crown's revenue.
Lower-ranking clergy were often well-regarded by the local populace, but resentment grew toward higher-ranking clergy who were aligned with the nobility.
The church played an administrative role, keeping vital records and influencing legal matters across varying provincial laws.

Economic Disparities

The nobility and the church were exempt from direct taxation, which fostered resentment among the Third Estate (commoners).
As the bourgeoisie accumulated wealth, they began investing in land and luxury goods, increasing their social influence.

Educational Landscape

Literacy in France varied widely, with about one-third of the populace literate. A significant disparity existed, as only wealthy boys attended high school.
The number of newspapers, journals, and libraries increased, allowing for broader discussions of new political ideas, particularly in public coffee houses and salons.

The Estates General

The Estates General was a representative body consisting of three estates: the clergy (First Estate), nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate).
King Louis XVI could convene this body during crises, but it lacked regular function, complicating representation.

Age of Enlightenment

The Enlightenment introduced new philosophical ideas about society and governance, challenging traditional beliefs such as the divine right of kings.
This cultural movement in France was influenced by earlier events, including Louis XIV's policy against French Protestants in 1685.

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Description

Explore the societal structure and daily life in France during the eighteenth century under the Old Regime. This quiz delves into the significant contrasts between that era and modern life, highlighting the monarchy's role in governance and power dynamics.