4.3.1 Problems in France QU

• History
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

AGE 7. The Time of Wigs and Revolutions

4.3.1 Problems in France

QUESTIONS

1a. About society: What system had been used
since the Middle Ages?

1. the feudal system
2. mercantilism
3. the estates system
4. absolute monarchy

1b. What was new in the estates system in the 18th century?

1c. What kind of group was the bourgeoisie?

2. What kind of change did the bourgeoisie demand?

1. They demanded the same power and privileges as the people from the first and second estate.
2. They wanted better working conditions.
3. They wanted the first and second estate to reduce their spending and luxurious lifestyle.
4. They demanded a better salary for their hard work.

3a. The third estate had many grievances. But not all third estate groups had the same grievances. Choose which groups were most affected by the following problems:


1. not enough land

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

3b. no influence in politics

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

3c. low wages

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

3d. bad harvests

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

3e. high taxes

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

3f. very difficult to get a noble title

1. peasants
2. city workers
3. bourgeoisie
4. all three groups

4a. Which estates do the people in the source represent?

A cartoon about the Three Estates, published in the 1780s.

1. A : clergy B: nobility C: commons
2. A: commons B: clergy C: nobility
3. A: nobility B: commons C: clergy
4. A: nobility B: clergy C: commons

4b. What do you think the stone on top of
the figure lying on the ground is
supposed to mean?

5. Discuss with a partner: Why did this
picture feed the people’s idea about
Marie Antoinette?

6. Explain how the winter of 1788 / 89 symbolised the distance that had developed between the farmers and the nobility.

7. Imagine that you’re a member of the third estate who is attending the Estates-General. You have to give a speech to the Estates-General about how you would change the situation in the country.
What would be the essence of your speech? (1 sentence)

Write down a question about something from this lesson that you don't understand.

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