-
Corrupt Taxes
After the Seven Years War, coupled with King Louis XVI's lavish spendings, unjust taxation practices fell in place. Peasantry class suffered as a result. The Church and clergymen were forced to pay taxes, while the higher classes did not have to. These practices were ONGOING til the 1780s. -
Crop Failure/Shortage
The crop failure in the summer of 1788-89 was a tragedy in France since the government was already suffering from extreme debt. -
Abolition of Feudalism
The Estates General abolished feudalism. This system was in place for centuries, and there arose social and political issues as a result. Finally, the serfs/peasants were free and this left the noble class no longer holding power over their manors. -
Abolition of Slavery
After the abolition of feudalism years earlier, France also abolished slavery. The cause of this was that they lost a great deal of profit from their sugar colonies in the Caribbean when Haitian people went on strike - their strike was a response to the abolition of slavery in Europe. -
Law of the Maximum
The Law of the Maximum went in place, which set food prices. There were major consequences, even executions, for violaters of the law. This type of ruling, enacted, by the Committe of Public Safety would be one of the things to lead into the Reign of Terror. -
Napoleon's Economy
Although he as a negative reputation, Napoleon actually achieve a lot for the French economy. He opened up more jobs, created the first national bank, and enacted a fair tax system. In 1804, he was also able to enact the Napoleonic Code -
Continental System
Said to be seen as Napoleon's economic downfall, he enacted a blockade between Great Britain (among other countries) which disabled communication and trade opportunities for France. This hurt France financially and economically, while it allowed Great Britain to empower their navy through other economic endeavors.
