Ancien Régime

Ancien RégimeThe Ancien Régime was the old order of France before 1789. At its head stood the king. He was the absolute ruler by the grace of God, residing in the splendid Palace of Versailles. Beneath him stood the subjects – a society divided into three estates. The nobility and the clergy enjoyed numerous rights and privileges, which were financed by the common people. Toward the end of the 18th century, the contradictions and weaknesses of the system became increasingly apparent. New ideas of freedom and equality began to challenge the Ancien Régime. In 1788, a financial crisis forced the king to convene the Estates-General.

1589 - 1789

Quotes

I am the state.
Quote attributed to Louis XIV, not historically attested

The people have no bread? Let them eat cake.
Quote mistakenly attributed to Marie Antoinette

Whoever did not know the Ancien Régime will never know how sweet life was.
Talleyrand



The Palace of Versailles

External links