What are the May edicts?
May 8th: The king and his ministers issue edicts removing some of the powers of parlements and formally abolishing the use of torture. June 7th: Mobs protest in Grenoble and Brittany, demanding the reinstatement of their local parlement.
What was going on in France in 1788?
A severe winter in 1788 resulted in famine and widespread starvation in the countryside. Rising prices in Paris brought bread riots. By 1789 France was broke. The nobility refused to pay more taxes, and the peasants simply couldn’t.
When was Calonne replaced by Brienne?
Consequently, the King dissolved the Assembly on 25 May 1787 and dismissed Calonne (replacing him with de Brienne), further inciting the issue as the broader society now perceived the Notables as their champions and sharpened focus on reform.
What was the composition of the Estates-General on May 5 1789?
This assembly was composed of three estates – the clergy, nobility and commoners – who had the power to decide on the levying of new taxes and to undertake reforms in the country. The opening of the Estates General, on 5 May 1789 in Versailles, also marked the start of the French Revolution.
How were Brienne’s reforms different from Calonne?
After consideration, Brienne presented the Notables with a reform package that was not greatly different from Calonne’s. Brienne suggested a land tax on the privileged orders and called for increased taxation contributions from the church.
Who were the Notables in France?
An Assembly of Notables (French: Assemblée des notables) was a group of high-ranking nobles, ecclesiastics, and state functionaries convened by the King of France on extraordinary occasions to consult on matters of state.
What was the Estates General class 9?
Answer: The Estates-General was an assembly comprising the clergy of the French nobles and the middle class. The Estates-General represented all of France’s three estates. This assembly combined the First, Second and Third Estate members and acted as France’s legislative assembly.