French Society During Late 18th Century


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

French Society During Late 18th Century

The French Revolution is known as a landmark in the history of Europe and the world. It led to end of monarchy in France. A new system of governance was introduced.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen during the French Revolution announced the coming of a new era. The slogan of French Revolution liberty, freedom and equality became important ideas of new era.

French Society during The Late 18th Century

In 1774, Louis XVI of the Bourbon family became the king of France. He was 20 years old and married the Austrian princess Marie Antoinette. ‘When he became the ruler, he found an empty treasury, because years of wars and an extravagant lifestyle had drained the financial resources of France. The cost of maintaining court at the immense palace of Versailles also added to the problem. To maintain court he took more than 2 billion livres loan.

Under, Louis XVI France helped the thirteen American colonies to gain their independence from their common enemy Britain. The war added more ‘than a billion livres to a debt. Due to this situation, credit lenders of state began to charge 10% interest on loans. It became difficult for the French Government to meet its regular expenses such as maintaining army, the court, etc. Thus, the government was forced to increase taxes.

THERE IS A SHORT NOTE ABOUT FRENCH REVOLUTION

The monarch of France was King Louis XVI at the time of French Revolution and prior to that as well. The king had ascended the throne in 1774 who lived in Versailles.

In the 18th Century wars with Europe and America had led to a loss in the treasury and national debts amounted to approximately 3 billion livres.

Therefore the King at that time increased taxation. Later on improvements in the education system was sought as new ideas led to new class of people emerging in the Third Estate(commoners) at the time.

The society was divided into 3 states, clergy, nobility and commoners.

 

 

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

Who was the King of France of the eve of French Revolution?

Right Option : A
View Explanation
Explanation
Question : 2

Who paid feudal dues to the state in the 18th century ?

Right Option : B
View Explanation
Explanation
Question : 3

The word livne stands for  :

Right Option : A
View Explanation
Explanation
 
 
 


Students / Parents Reviews [10]