HIS109Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Charles Alexandre De Calonne, Physiocracy, Parliamentary Procedure
Document Summary
Everything up to this point was driven by a set of expectations that could be explained. The french revolution was different; new structures and ideas arose that were based on the. Consequence was that there were only 100 000 150 000 clerics, or members of the clergy/first. Noble class were great property owners; they owned 1/3 of french land. After absolutist regimes, nobility was now just a hereditary office. Nobles had no responsibilities at all; lived self-indulgent lives. Aristocrats were descendants of knights and managed to support themselves due to their close proximity to the crown. Taking care of the king was a privilege and meant that the nobility could receive favours while caring for him. Access to royal privilege came easily to the aristocrats. Feudal nobility were arrogant and mean in manner known as the noblesse de l"epee (nobles of the sword) Lec 22: this allowed for success, wealth and ambition to be translated into political power.
