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2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

Taxation and the Weaknesses of the Ancien Regime

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on the vingtième, capitation and aides, the regressive taille and hated gabelle, venality of office, traditional loyalties, the lack of uniform laws and measures, and why taxation could not be reformed.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What was the capitation?

Key term

What were the aides?

Process

Why was the taille considered fundamentally regressive?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What was the vingtième?

    Model answer

    A tax of one twentieth (5 per cent) on income from land, property, commerce and office. It was meant to fall on all subjects regardless of rank, though nobles and officeholders often secured exemptions or negotiated reduced assessments.

  2. 2

    What was the capitation?

    Model answer

    A poll tax levied on all ranks, including nobles and clergy, with subjects assessed by social category from prince down to labourer, though exemption could be bought.

  3. 3

    What were the aides?

    Model answer

    The aides were indirect taxes on goods paid by peasants.

  4. 4

    Besides royal taxes, what other payments did peasants owe?

    Model answer

    Peasants also paid the tithe to the Church and seigneurial dues to their lords.

  5. 5

    Why was the taille considered fundamentally regressive?

    Model answer

    The taille was paid almost exclusively by the Third Estate, with nobles and clergy exempt, meaning the poorest bore the heaviest burden.

  6. 6

    Why was the gabelle particularly unpopular?

    Model answer

    The gabelle varied enormously between regions, with some areas paying up to twenty times more than others.

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