France - The making of the modern French State - Critical Junctures

9 important questions on France - The making of the modern French State - Critical Junctures

Why has the state played such a prominent role in French History?

Because France was created by monarchs who united the diverse regions and provinces of what is present-day France. The French have often displayed great respect for the state's achievements and intense resentment at its highhanded behavior.

What was the Edict of Nantes?

It was issued by Henry IV (who ruled from 1589 to 1610) and granted Protestants limited religious tolerance.

Why did Louis XVI try to raise taxes in 1789?

The competition France had with Britain required France to borrow heavily, because the economy was stagnant. By 1788, interest on past French loans consumed over one-half of current state expenditures.
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What were the flaws of the French Revolution?

The Jacobin State of the First Republic guillotined opponents of the Revolution and people from other factions. Besides that, the Revolution was not just contructed without women but largely against women.


What were the opposite faces of the Revolution as identified by Alexis de Tocquesville?

It both produced a rupture with the ancien regime and powerfully strenghtend state institutions. Many of the institutions from this period remain to this day.

What were te most important aspects of the Third Republic?

1. It was a parliamentary regime with a feeble executive.

2. Was designed to prevent decisive leadership.

3. Never had much support. According to Thiers it was a regime "that divides us French least".

4. Survived WWI and kept extremist forces in check. However, it failed to check the Nazi invasion of 1940.

What factors inhibited France's economic growth?

1. A large peasantry
2. France was poorly endowed with coal, iron and petroleum.
3. Underdeveloped entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Slow growth of France's population which led to a smaller demand than in, for example, Britain where the population tripled in the nineteenth century.
5. State policies were directed at stabilizing instead of growing the economy. In order to shield farmers, manufacturers and artisans from foreign competition, France had some of the highest tariffs in Western Europe.

What was the main problem in the National Assembly during the Fourth Republic?

The National Assembly was elected by proportional representation, which led to many small parties. Due to rapid shifts in government coalitions, governments during this period were unable to make tough decisions or develop a long-range policies.

Why did the Fourth Republic not survive?

Due to the inability of the government of dealing with the uprising and battle for independence in Algeria.

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