The Economic Origins of the French Revolution - 2747 Words

The inflated opinion the French monarchy had about themselves and other nobles lent itself to how they contributed to and handled the economic downturn in France for centuries prior to the French Revolution. Forming the foundation of many of France’s financial issues, the monarchial system granted royals and the nobles who surrounded them the ability to feel as if they are intended to be superior to the rest of France, a mentality that would last until the French Revolution began. With this monarchial system, each king of France from 1610 to 1789 would contribute in both positive and negative ways, depending greatly on the Chief Ministers they appointed. [ADD] Marking a significant beginning stage of the economic downturn was the Seven†¦show more content†¦One of Richelieu’s main areas of focus was with the country’s military forces and wars, as he wanted to expand and modernize the French Navy, while he is also credited with beginning the legacy of French Kings being involved in unnecessary wars. Despite having been mentored by Richelieu, Cardinal Jules Mazarin as Chief Minister for both Louis XIII, following the death of Richelieu, and Louis XIV was not interested in economic or cultural development. Due to his lack of interest in such developments, Mazarin encouraged the appointment of Nicolas Fouquet as Superintendent of Finances, however, King Louis XIV eventually imprisoned Fouquet after eight years in the position. His imprisonment is relatively ironic, as it was a punishment for Fouquet’s overt extravagance, which would be an issue that plagued Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI until the French Revolut ion. Four years following Mazarin’s death and Fouquet’s imprisonment in 1661, Jean-Baptiste Colbert assumed the position of Minister of Finances under Louis XIV. Colbert’s eighteen years in office were productive, as he would encourage the development of colonies belonging to France, such as Quebec and Louisiana, realizing the potential of using them to create an economically self-sufficient unit within France. Colbert would also promote industry with the use of tariffs, subsidies and otherShow MoreRelatedThe French Revolution And The Enlightenment1471 Words   |  6 Pagespower. Power now in the hands of the people. Through bloodshed, the radical actions of the French Revolution sparked by philosophies of Enlightenment, will impact the future. Historical figures such as Robespierre heading the Great Assembly will drive change in culture through the revolution, in hopes of achieving enlightened societies. The 18th century marks the beginning of modern history. The F rench revolution playing a role in furthering Enlightenment, will led to a chain of events that will changeRead MoreEdmund Burke and Thomas Paine: A Comparative Analysis of Their Views on the French Revolution913 Words   |  4 PagesEdmund Burke and Thomas Paine differed strongly on their views of the French revolution and the wisdom of the proceedings of the French National Assembly in 1789-90. In his book Reflections on the Revolution in France the conservative Edmund Burke argued that the concept of universal human rights that applied internationally across all societies was a meaningless abstraction that was subversive of social order, while in The Rights of Man the radical democrat Thomas Paine insisted that all human beingsRead MoreEssay on Causes and Effects of The French Revolution1402 Words   |  6 PagesThe French Revolution was a time of great social, political and economic tumult in the closing years of the Eighteenth Century. 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The years 1685 to 1815 (Strayer, 2011) will be the focus of this investigation to allow for an analysis of the Enlightenment ideas’ impact the need for governmental change in the American colonies and France during the eighteenth century, as well as their governmental influences post-revolutions. †¯ The first source which