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The Ancien Regime of Pre-Revolution France

The Ancien Regime of Pre-Revolution France. Libertyville HS. The Ancien Regime. The aristocratic social / political system est. in France from 1500 to late 1700s Characteristics Divine right of kings Aristocratic privilege Born to status (not earned)

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The Ancien Regime of Pre-Revolution France

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  1. The Ancien Regime of Pre-Revolution France Libertyville HS

  2. The Ancien Regime • The aristocratic social / political system est. in France from 1500 to late 1700s • Characteristics • Divine right of kings • Aristocratic privilege • Born to status (not earned) • Appointed by king to control local government, justice system • Estates system

  3. The Estates System • Estates = social classes of Ancien Regime • Three social classes into which people were born • Royal family “above” the Estate system, not a part of it

  4. Three Estates of France • First Estate = Church • % of population = .6% (about 200,000) • High clergy = drawn from nobility • Lower clergy = commoners • Responsibilities • Record keeping • Moral police (censored books) • Benefits: owned 10-15% of France’s land, tax free • High clergy paid no taxes

  5. Three Estates of France • Second Estate = Nobility • About 2% of population, or 550,000 • Duties • Ran local government, judicial branch • Benefits • Exempt from most taxes • Right to bear weapons • Coat of arms

  6. Three Estates of France • Third Estate = everyone else • About 97.5% of population, or 26.2 million • “Bourgeoisie” = middle class • Peasant farmers & urban workers • Duties • Pay taxes (50%+ of income) to First, Second estates & State • Work!!! (Farms, factories) • Serve the First, Second Estates and the State • Benefits: ???

  7. Factors contributing to French Revolution • Economic factors • Massive military spending • Wars of Religion, 1562-1598 • 30 Years War, 1618-1648 • Wars of Louis XIV, 1667-1697 • War of Spanish Succession, 1702-1713 • Seven Years War, 1756-1763 • American Revolution, 1778-83 • Unmanageable national debt • Inequitable taxation system • High food prices

  8. Factors contributing to French Revolution • Social / Political Factors • Resentments of 3rd Estate • Enlightenment ideas of liberty and republicanism • King seen as out of touch • Evil ministers + good king perception • Firing ministers story

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