Absolutism and the structure of the Ancien Régime: Louis XVI as King;…

The idea

The Ancien Régime was structured around absolute monarchy, where Louis XVI held supreme authority by divine right, though his power was practically limited by overlapping jurisdictions and parlements. Government administration was complex and inefficient, relying on intendants and a chaotic legal system. Society was rigidly divided into three Estates: the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) enjoyed vast privileges, including exemption from the taille, while the Third Estate (commoners) bore heavy tax burdens like the corvée and tithes. While the system's strengths included a powerful standing army and a rich cultural court at Versailles, its fatal weaknesses were systemic financial inefficiency, deep social inequality, and Louis XVI's indecisive leadership during crises.

What earns the marks

• Explain the theoretical nature of absolutism versus the practical limitations imposed by parlements and regional customs.
• Assess Louis XVI's personal characteristics, noting his well-meaning nature but fatal indecisiveness in matters of state.
• Detail the structure of the government, including the roles of the King's councils and the intendants in the provinces.
• Analyse the social divisions of the Three Estates, contrasting the tax exemptions of the privileged orders with the heavy direct and indirect taxation on the Third Estate.
• Evaluate the strengths of the Ancien Régime, such as its cultural dominance and military power, against weaknesses like administrative chaos and financial vulnerability.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming Louis XVI was a tyrant who ruled with unlimited practical power.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that while his power was theoretically absolute, it was heavily restricted by parlements, entrenched noble privileges, and regional laws.

• Stating the Third Estate consisted only of poor peasants.

  Put it right: Recognise that the Third Estate was highly diverse, encompassing wealthy bourgeoisie, urban workers (sans-culottes), and rural peasantry.

• Assuming the First and Second Estates paid absolutely no taxes.

  Put it right: Note that while they were exempt from the main direct tax (the taille), they did pay some indirect taxes and occasionally agreed to voluntary contributions (don gratuit).

Exam tips

• Use specific terms like 'taille', 'corvée', and 'lettres de cachet' to demonstrate precise knowledge of Ancien Régime burdens and royal powers.
• When evaluating Louis XVI, balance his personal flaws with the systemic, inherited weaknesses of the government structure he was forced to manage.
• Link the social inequalities directly to the financial weaknesses of the state, showing how the exemption of the wealthiest hindered economic stability.