Ancient Regime Crisis: Causes and Impact
The Crisis of the Ancient Regime
The Ancient Regime was the political and social system in Europe during the Early Modern times. It was characterized by:
- Absolute monarchy as the main form of government.
- A social system based on privileges.
- An agrarian economy.
However, the development of manufacturing and long-distance trade benefited the bourgeoisie, making them the wealthiest social group. The expansion of the bourgeoisie clashed with the old political and social order: the aristocratic way of life was against the bourgeoisie’s demands.
An Agrarian and Manorial Economy
The economy in the Ancient Regime was based on agriculture, and 80% of the population worked on it. Land belonged mainly to the nobility and the Church. Besides, land was not able to be sold or transferred. Manorialism replaced feudalism, so landlords collected the taxes and the manorial rents paid by the peasants. Nobles also ruled over their manors and judged the crimes in their estates. The peasants also paid the tithe (10% of their harvest) to the Church. Subsistence agriculture was based on traditional farming methods, and few innovations were introduced. The production was very low, only covering the people’s needs; land trade was limited by old transport means and bad roads. However, overseas commerce with the colonies flourished, making the bourgeoisie wealthier. Manufacturers increased their production.
A Society Based on Privileges
Society was divided into three estates:
- The clergy
- The nobility
- The ordinary people, or Third Estate, including peasants, urban working classes, and the bourgeoisie.
The Third Estate was the only one to pay taxes. This stratified society was based on privileges. Nobles and the clergy held the best positions and controlled the land without paying taxes. The rest of society had no privileges and paid taxes to maintain the state and the other social groups.
Absolute Monarchy
Absolute monarchy was the most popular form of government. It was an absolute monarchy by divine right, characterized by the fact that the king’s power came from God, and power was exercised in God’s name. King Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, illustrates this type of monarchy. The king had absolute power: he appointed ministers, dictated laws, controlled foreign policy, led the army, and administered justice. The king was not controlled by any institution or power.
Factors for Change
Economic growth and political demands of the bourgeoisie determined changes in the Ancient Regime. The bourgeoisie demanded to play a better role in society. Being the most active group, they wanted to participate in government, as well as some changes in the privileged society. They asked for a fair distribution of taxes. Peasants were against the manorial system and the number of taxes they paid. Urban workers wanted to improve their salaries. Enlightenment thinkers criticized the bases of the Ancient Regime, and they proposed a new political system. In the 18th century, the majority of society wanted to end the privileges of the clergy and the nobility, as well as a fair political system that included citizen participation in politics.