Реферат: The Efffects Of Louis 16Th On France

Essay, Research Paper

The French Revolution was a significant milestone in European history,

remembered by many in historical and literary works. The situation in France, mostly

under the leadership of Louis XVI, had a negative influence in France, thus creating a

perfect climate for the French Revolution. France was plagued by both debt, and poor

decision making. prior to 1789.

France was poverty-stricken and burdened with some of the highest debts. On the

and Interior Minister Chretien Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes (*The economic

origins of the French revolution, pg. 4). Louis introduced some of the most oppressive

taxes and instituted financial reforms. Greater reforms were prevented by the opposition

of the upper classes and court. This opposition was so strong that Turgot was forced to

resign and was replaced by Jauques Necker. Lengthy wars, the support to the American

Revolution and the gross amount of taxes paid and the lavish spending of the court

contributed to the huge national debt. The government?s financial problems were made

worse after 1740 by the renewal of costly wars (the French revolution, pg. 9). The war of

the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) and the Seven Year?s War (1756-1763) were

European wars over the domination of central Europe and colonial and commercial wars

between France and Great Britain (*Aspects of the French Revolution pg. ). At their

end, in 1763 France had lost almost all of it?s colonial empire in America and India. In

1778 the French launched an attack against Britain in the American Revolution. They

were hoping to weaken old rivalries and regain lost colonies. The hopes of the French

were not realized and their participation in the war increased an already heavy national

debt. After Louis XVI granted financial aid (1778-81) to the American colonies

revolting against Great Britain, Necker proposed drastic taxes on the nobility. Necker

was forced to resign in 1781 (Louis XVI and M. Antoinette ..pg 37) because of the

discontentment of the people. Charles Alexandre deCalonne replaced him in 1783 and

borrowed money for the court until the borrowing limit was reached (* Canadian

Encyclopedia ref: france, revolution ). The anger of the French people against taxes,

debt and lavish spending on the Court resulted in the recall of Necker in 1788, who still

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