French Revolution

Front

The Ancient Régime: Absolute monarchy

Back

The king had complete authority, with Louis XVI on the throne, but he was considered incompetent and did not fix issues.

Front

Role of Parlements and Departments

Back

Parlements were local governments with no elected officials, and Departments were local governments run by the king.

Front

First Estate: The Church/Clergy

Back

Advised the king, paid no taxes, and had the most authority under the king.

Front

Second Estate: The Aristocracy/Nobles

Back

Influenced the king, paid no taxes, and held government leadership roles.

Front

Third Estate: The Peasants

Back

Paid taxes but had no political authority.

Front

Long Term Problems: Social and Hierarchy Issues

Back

Issues arose from the division into three estates.

Front

Financial and Economic Issues

Back

Included inefficient tax collection, debt from Louis XIV and Versailles, wars, and bad harvests leading to bread riots.

Front

Political Issues of the Ancient Régime

Back

Characterized by absolute rule and no real parliament.

Front

Short Term Problems under Louis XVI

Back

Louis XVI did not fix problems, continued war and court spending, and new ideas of democracy spread from the American Revolution.

Front

Enlightenment as a Pressure for Change

Back

An intellectual movement challenging societal authority, with figures like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, Rousseau, and Quesnay advocating for various reforms.