Eighteenth Century European Society and the Causes of the French Revolution

1. Eighteenth Century European Society and the Causes of the French Revolution

2. Objective • To understand European social structure of the eighteenth century • To understand different social groups and their roles in European society

3. European Society • Based on hierarchy and privilege • Based on tradition • Based on land ownership • Class determined one’s place in life • By the 18th century, changes began occurring in European society

4. The Nobility • Made up 1-5% of the population in any given country • The wealthiest group in European society • Controlled much of the land in any given country • Often exempted from taxes or forced labor • Controlled the political sytem

5. The Peasantry • Made up about 75% of the population • Social and economic standing depended on where they lived • From free landowners in Britain to Russian serfs, who were practically slaves • Often paid rent to the nobility and tithes to the church • Paid most of the taxes

6. The Middle Class • Resided mostly in the cities • Wide spectrum of occupations • From shopkeepers to professionals • The educated class • A consumer society • Group that often pushed for political and social change

7. Family Life • Nuclear families in Western Europe • Parents and children • Children lived at home until they got married • Children learned a trade either at home or were hired out • Extended families in Eastern Europe • Grandparents, parents, children • Children often stayed home after they got married

8. Role of Women • Marriage was the only source of security • Women often worked in the farms or in the family business • Women had few rights • Women had few opportunities outside the home

9. Children in 18th Century Society • High infant mortality • Children were expected to contribute to the family at a young age • Children were expected to learn a trade • Education was haphazard

10. Agricultural Revolution • New Agricultural