France During the Eighteenth Century

France during the eightteeth century was in major debt from the seven years war and the american revoulution. This cuased the higher taxation in order to compensate for the debt which agrovated the people. Despite the major debt the nation was facing, the government was still building huge palaces and neoclassic structures that were completely unnecessary considering finacial situation.  

 

Social: France during this time period consisted mostly of Nobles or peasants however there was a middle class. Men would usually work while women were expected to care for the house and kids. There were peasants, middle class, Nobles and then royalty.

 

Political: Since the late 15th century, the government structure had consisted of a absolute monarchy system which meant that kings and kings had complete power. Also  Most of the rural areas were under control by not only the monarchs but also the church. the church at this period in france still had a lot of power over the people and taxed them heavily. before 1789, aside from the protestant reformation, no recent major revolutions have occurred.

 

Interactions with the environment: Even though the plague killed over 1 third of the population, France, during this time period was the third most populous country in the world. After the plague, france’s agriculture was fine until after the seven years war. Also most of the people began to travel to big cities such as paris, in pursuit of jobs.

 

Cultural: France had many new advancements in art such as neoclassicism, which is classic art or sculptures that are derived from ancient greek or roman art. They also had neoclassic architecture such as the versailles palace. Philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau inspired normal citizens to think about politics as well as equality. American diplomats also gave the french people the idea of expressing their own opinions.

 

Economic: during this time period, there is a major lack of food, resulting in the starvation of those who cannot afford the rising prices. The Government was in Major debt, which resulted in higher taxes for the people. Frances two main trading partners were spain and portugal however they did trade with the americans and some african nations. bandits became common since working no longer paid enough to pay for both food and taxes.