The text delves into the feudal system of pre-revolutionary France, its decline, and the subsequent rise of centralized power. It outlines the economic strains, including the impact of financing the American Revolution, leading to the French Revolution. The formation of the National Assembly, the Storming of the Bastille, and the Great Fear are highlighted as key events. The abolition of feudalism by the National Assembly and the lasting legacy of these changes in French society are also discussed.
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The feudal system in medieval Europe was a complex socio-economic structure with the king at the top, followed by the nobility, knights, and peasants
Land Distribution and Military Service
The king distributed lands to the nobility in exchange for loyalty and military service, who then distributed it to lesser lords and knights
Inherited Social Roles and Land Ownership
Social roles and land ownership were often inherited in the feudal system, limiting social mobility
Peasants formed the base of the feudal pyramid, working on the land and providing goods and services for their lords
The decline of feudalism began in the 14th century as monarchs started to centralize power and reduce their reliance on the nobility's military support
Economic hardships, such as poor harvests and inflation, worsened the peasants' situation and contributed to their dissatisfaction and unrest
King Louis XVI's decision to finance the American Revolution led to a significant increase in the national debt and higher taxes, disproportionately affecting the common people
In 1789, King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General, which had not met for 175 years, to address the financial crisis
The Third Estate, representing the majority of the population, formed the National Assembly to challenge the existing feudal and monarchical structures
The fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and symbolized the people's rejection of the king's absolute power
The Great Fear, fueled by peasant unrest and resentment towards the feudal system, led to attacks on manors and estates in a bid to rid themselves of feudal obligations
In response to escalating violence and peasant unrest, the National Assembly abolished feudalism and established equality and individual rights for all citizens
00
The ______ system was a socio-economic structure that prevailed in medieval Europe, including ______ before the Revolution.
feudal
France
01
In the feudal hierarchy, ______ were the base, working the land to provide for the ______.
peasants
lords
02
Monarchs' methods to centralize power in 14th century
Established standing armies, reduced nobility's military role.
