Sample+Answers+-+France

Using 3 or 4 main points, explain how Frances involvement in the American War if Independence contributed to the development of a revolutionary situation in France.

The American War of Independence contributed greatly to the development of a revolutionary situation in France, both in monetary terms and the spread of ideas from America to France, specifically through the bourgeoisie and Enlightenment ideas. The war in America was a massive drain on French resources, and caused an extreme amount of debt in the French economy. The extent of this debt led to the necessity of borrowing from overseas, as well as the implementation of the vingtieme tax- a tax that is levied directly on everyone in the third estate during times of war. The implementation of this new tax, on top of all the taxes that are already levied on the populace, as well as the bad harvests that were apparent during the 1780’s caused much of the 3rd estate to fall further into poverty, and become more disillusioned with the upper classes. In addition to the vingtieme tax being implemented, France also borrowed extensively from overseas, adding to the level of the national debt, which furthered the need for reform, specifically in taxation, which never occurred. The American War of Independence also spread the ideas of the Enlightenment back to France, and took root in the bourgeoisie. The ideas spread include the idea of popular sovereignty, of equality, and the idea of no taxation without representation. These concepts spread throughout the 3rd estate, fuelling the Enlightenment ideals that had begun to grow. These ideas caused those within the third estate to begin to question the Kings authority, and the long-standing tradition of Divine Right of Absolute Monarchy. These effects of the American War of Independence had a significant effect on the 3rd estates ideals and finances, thereby adding to the level of tension within France, eventually leading to Revolution.

// Using three to four points, assess the importance of the Enlightenment to the development of a revolutionary situation. //

The notion of the Enlightenment did not, in itself, cause the revolutionary situation in France, however due to various inadequacies concerning the old regime of which the philosophes of the time highlighted, it did aid in the development of a revolutionary situation. ü Good. Reasons for this include how the philosophes of the Enlightenment shared a common distaste for the Catholic Church, ü deploring its misuse of power, with famous philosophe Voltaire arguing that there should be freedom of choice and thus freedom of religion. ü The Enlightenment also justifiably suggested the glaring inequalities present within the Church hierarchy [example?], which effectively led to a significant erosion of respect and faith for the Church. Good – but why was this important? Link to question using another 5-10 words. ü Secondly, the Enlightenment targeted the French political system, namely the Divine Right Absolute Monarchy. ü The philosophers of the Enlightenment [for example?] believed in limiting the monarch’s power and educated people with alternative forms of democratic societies, of which were seen to offer a better reflection of the values of the people. [for example?] ü T hese thoughts later carried the momentum of the revolution. [how – explain] ü Finally, the system of privilege within France was an issue the philosophes challenged, ü as they argued such social discrepancies between classes should not exist and instead there should be should be equality and freedom for all. ü Rousseau’s words, " 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité‘(liberty, equality, fraternity) became the phrase of the revolution. ü By raising the inadequacies of the Catholic Church, absolute monarchy and the order of privilege the Enlightenment incited the masses [all of them, or certain sections?] with reasons to revolt and promoted the need to reform from the archaic tradition that was of the time to a society of equality and freedom. ü Consequently the Enlightenment was a key factor which aided in the development of a revolutionary situation in France. ü Good.

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This is a very well structured response. In future, try and incorporate more evidence to support your assertions. Make clear connections to the question asked (for the most part you do this). Avoid vague statements (eg. the masses) What about liberal nobles?

The Enlightenment was vital to the development of a revolutionary atmosphere in France due to many reasons. Although the Enlightenment arguably did not directly cause revolution ü the new ideals [such as – list examples] it popularized, questioned the old regime and provided desirable alternatives of society and government. ü There was a heavy criticism of the Catholic Church by Enlightenment thinkers, ü in particular Voltaire who claimed the church was corrupt and plagued by bigotry and intolerance. ü This eroded the concept of the natural order [why important?] of the country and people’s blind faith in the Church, the erosion of confidence in the church acted to further disintegrate [can you chose a better word?] the concept of divine right absolute monarchy, which protected the King [in what sense? consequences?]. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; msoasciifontfamily: Calibri; msochartype: symbol; msohansifontfamily: Calibri; msosymbolfontfamily: Wingdings;">ü The Enlightenment philosophes also challenged the government of France and the unaccountability of the monarch. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; msoasciifontfamily: Calibri; msochartype: symbol; msohansifontfamily: Calibri; msosymbolfontfamily: Wingdings;">ü ü [Good] Rousseau in particular stated the need for a public representation which demonstrated the ‘Will of the People’, <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; msoasciifontfamily: Calibri; msochartype: symbol; msohansifontfamily: Calibri; msosymbolfontfamily: Wingdings;">ü [excellent – but link to the revolution (later, when you know more)] He also condemning the notions of privilege and birth right. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; msoasciifontfamily: Calibri; msochartype: symbol; msohansifontfamily: Calibri; msosymbolfontfamily: Wingdings;">ü These privileges were demonstrated by the class structure of France, which was under constant scrutiny from the enlightenment thinkers who advocated for equality. [vague – in what sense – what did they want? Who? Other examples? Link to consequences/revolution – eg. emergence of Liberal Nobles] Although the philosophes were predominantly supporters of reform and not revolution, their works and philosophies greatly weakened the authority of the ancien regime and inspired the French people to challenge the current system and strive for change, which in combination with other factors acted as a catalyst towards the revolution. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; msoasciifontfamily: Calibri; msochartype: symbol; msohansifontfamily: Calibri; msosymbolfontfamily: Wingdings;">ü
 * Using 3 or 4 points, assess the importance of the Enlightenment to the development of the French Revolution. **

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Good work. You can improve even further by packing in more specific evidence/examples to demonstrate your understanding of the influence and consequences of the Enlightenment. You also need to consider the question more carefully. While this is carefully worded, in places you could have made clearer links to the revolution.


 * How did Louis XVI contribute to the outbreak of revolution in France by 1789?**

Inheriting a bankrupt nation, the inexperienced Louis XVI further compounded France’s flailing economy by entering into the American War of Independence in 1776. Raising the taxes on the already overburdened Third Estate, and combined with bad harvests in the1780s, Louis failed to reform the inequitable taxation system of France, which saw the Third Estate shouldering the burden of France’s debt. Calling the Assembly of Notables in 1787 to discuss the issue of tax reform, which they agreed to in principle, but refused to put into practice, Louis’ weak character was revealed in his inability to exercise the lit de justice to force reforms through. With the country losing faith in his ability to lead, and the aristocrats revolting around the parlements all over the country, Louis had no choice but to reinstate Jacques Necker, who declared the country bankrupt, and call the ancient body of the Estates General, thereby setting the scene for the outbreak of revolution by 1789.

**How important was the Enlightenment to the outbreak of revolution in 1789?**

The idea of enlightenment was fairly important in the shaping of the revolution in 1789. With the first involvement beginning in 1720, ideas such as representation, reason, reform and taxes, and critique of wealth and corruption of the church emerged. By 1789 many people had read these ideas and this, combined with other factors, contributed to the revolution. The factors of material problems and heavy taxes on the Third Estate were fairly large contributors. Also, Louis XVI incompetence of dealing with France’s economic situation, as well as personal extravagance, worsened the situation. The enlightenment forced people to consider social hierarchy, wealth of the church under the old regime, as well as the idea that society could be changed for the better. Many of these ideas were a direct result of France’s involvement in the American War of Independence. These notions of enlightenment, combined with grievances, taxes, Louis XVI’s incompetence and lack of faith in the Monarchy (demonstrated in Assembly of Notables and Aristocratic Revolt) lead to significant change, first demonstrated in the Estates General which was the start of the revolution in 1789.

** How did the Aristocratic Revolt contribute to the outbreak of revolution in France in 1789? **

The Aristocratic Revolt contributed to the outbreak of revolution as the Aristocratic actions stopped the King introducing any reforms to repair the decline of France. The Aristocrats in the Parlements did not register any of Louis XVI suggested reforms as it took away many of the First and Second Estate privileges. In addition, there was great distrust of the King who had not demonstrated any capabilities of leadership and strength of character. The Aristocrats who remonstrated the laws Louis suggested became the strongest form of opposition that Louis had ever been confronted with. These were riots in the country, particularly in places where the Parlements met. The revolt in the Paris Parlement was to refuse to register Louis XVI edicts. The Assembly of Notables, the Princes of the Blood and the Church revolted. In doing this they forced the calling of the Estates General and this set the scene for the outbreak of revolution.