Prior to this event, what kind of government existed in France and in what was did it abuse their power?
Prior to the event mentioned, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy, which granted almost unlimited power to the king. The monarchy in France was characterized by a system of governance in which the king held complete authority and made all decisions without any checks or balances from other institutions.
During this period, the French monarchy often abused its power in various ways. Some notable abuses included:
1. Financial Mismanagement: The monarchy, particularly under King Louis XVI, faced significant financial difficulties due to extravagant expenses, wars, and inherited debts. To overcome this, the monarchy imposed heavy taxes on the common people while exempting the nobility and clergy. This financial burden on the Third Estate, the commoners, eventually contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution.
2. Social Inequality: The monarchy maintained a strict social hierarchy, which favored the aristocracy and clergy, while suppressing the rights and freedoms of the lower classes. The nobles held high positions of power and privilege, whereas the vast majority of the population, especially peasants, faced extreme poverty and limited opportunities.
3. Censorship and Suppression of Dissent: The monarchy restricted freedom of speech and press, censoring publications that criticized the government. This policy eliminated the possibility of open dialogue, making it difficult for people to voice their concerns or propose reforms.
4. Lack of Representation: The absolute monarchy denied the common people any meaningful representation in the governing process. The Estates-General, a representative body of the three social classes, was rarely convened and typically relegated to a purely consultative role. This lack of representation fueled public discontent and the desire for political participation.
These abuses of power by the French monarchy contributed to the growing discontent among the people and ultimately led to the French Revolution in 1789.