top of page

Problems and policies of Louis XVI

1.1 The Ancien Régime

France

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

History Notes

Your Burning Questions Answered!

Analyze the structural weaknesses of the Ancien Régime and explain how they contributed to the problems faced by Louis XVI.

Assess the effectiveness of Louis XVI's financial reforms in addressing the economic crisis of the French monarchy.

Discuss the significance of the Estates-General in the outbreak of the French Revolution, considering the roles played by Louis XVI and the different social classes.

Evaluate the social and political reforms proposed by Louis XVI, examining the motivations behind them and their impact on French society.

To what extent did Louis XVI's indecisiveness and reliance on advisors exacerbate the problems of the Ancien Régime, ultimately leading to his downfall?

Problems and policies of Louis XVI

Louis XVI: Problems and Policies of France (1774-1792)

1. The Ancien Régime: A System in Crisis

1.1 A World of Privilege:

⭐Social Hierarchy: France was ruled by an absolute monarchy, where the King had ultimate power. This King sat at the top of a strict social hierarchy:
⭐First Estate: The clergy (priests, bishops), who enjoyed vast wealth and privileges, exempt from taxes.
⭐Second Estate: The nobility, also exempt from most taxes, holding key positions in the military, government, and courts.
⭐Third Estate: Everyone else - commoners, peasants, urban workers, merchants, and professionals. They bore the brunt of taxes and had limited social and political power.
⭐Economic Inequality: The First and Second Estates controlled most of the land and wealth, while the Third Estate struggled with poverty and hardship.
⭐Feudal System: The countryside was divided into estates owned by nobles or the Church. Peasants worked the land, paying taxes and dues to their lords, often in the form of labor or harvest shares.

1.2 Financial Troubles:

⭐Costly Wars: Louis XVI inherited a heavily indebted nation, a result of costly wars like the American Revolutionary War (where France supported the colonists).
⭐Royal Spending: The royal court was renowned for its lavish lifestyle, further draining the treasury.
⭐Inefficient Tax System: The tax burden fell disproportionately on the Third Estate, with nobles and clergy largely exempt.

2. Louis XVI's Early Efforts (1774-1787)

2.1 Turgot's Reforms: King Louis XVI appointed Jacques Necker as his finance minister, a man who believed in reform.
⭐Tax Reform: Necker proposed a fairer tax system, including taxation of the nobility and clergy.
⭐Financial Management: He aimed to reduce royal spending and improve government efficiency.
⭐Opposition: His reforms faced fierce opposition from the privileged classes, leading to his dismissal in 1776.
2.2 The Rise of Calonne: Calonne, another minister, tried to address the financial crisis by proposing new taxes, including a "land tax" which angered the nobility.
⭐Assembly of Notables: Calonne called a meeting of prominent figures, hoping to gain support for his plans. However, the assembly rejected his proposals, highlighting the growing opposition to royal authority.

3. The Road to Revolution (1787-1789)

3.1 The Brink of Bankruptcy: The financial crisis continued to worsen, and Louis XVI was forced to call a meeting of the Assembly of Notables again. They were again opposed to his plans.
3.2 The Estates-General: The King was eventually forced by the escalating situation to call a meeting of the Estates-General, a gathering of representatives from all three estates, the first time it had been convened in over 150 years.
⭐The Estates-General: Each estate was supposed to have an equal number of representatives, but the First and Second Estates had much greater power.
⭐The Third Estate Takes Action: The Third Estate demanded equal representation and voting rights, arguing for a "National Assembly" where each member would have one vote.

4. The French Revolution Begins (1789)

4.1 The Tennis Court Oath: On June 20, 1789, the Third Estate, locked out of their meeting hall, moved to a nearby tennis court and took the Tennis Court Oath, pledging not to disband until they had established a new constitution for France.
4.2 The Storming of the Bastille: On July 14, 1789, a crowd of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a royal prison, symbol of oppression. This became a crucial turning point in the revolution, marking the beginning of popular revolution against the monarchy.

Note: This is a brief overview. The French Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event, involving a wide range of social groups, political ideologies, and economic factors. Further exploration is necessary to understand the full complexities of this pivotal moment in history.

Economics Study Pack.png
Economics.png

Crack History Exams With Confidence!

Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive History Study Pack.

 

Get instant access to a wealth of resources designed to help you thrive and achieve top grades!

 

What’s Inside?

1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.

Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.

Take Action Now!

Don’t let exam stress hold you back. Equip yourself with the tools you need to succeed. 

bottom of page