Kant's Impact on France

Immanuel Kant did not directly influence France. However many people that he did influence, later on impacted France. Kant was more of an enlightened thinker that impacted the pyscological world rather than the civil liberities movement that was much more apparent at the time.

Hume on France

Hume was a secular best known for his naturalistic views on philosophy. He deeply believed in the use of logic and reason and stressed the importance of cause and effect. Thus, it is no surprise he argued against actual miracles taking place. If Hume were to observe France, he would note that there was in fact very little logic being applied. Several France monarchs ruled with divine right and cared only about their own well-being. As a secular, Hume would undoubtedly disagree with their divine right titles and question the ways the government operated.

Beccaria's View on French Society

Beccaria was an Italian philosopher and politician best known for his treatise On Crimes and Punishment. This treatise condemned torture and the death penalty which was revolutionary thought for that time period. Beccaria would not view France favorably as France wielded the death penalty lightly. France was ruled by the despotic rule Louis XIV who used the death penalty as punishment often and used it as intimidation. After he was overthrown the French still did not get rid of the death penalty. During the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, hundreds of people were put in the guillotine and killed. Beccaria would probably look at France with contempt and try to spread his ideas throughout the country to enlighten her people.

The Period of Enlightenment's effect on French Society

The period of Enlightenment greatly affected French Society. One of the cornerstones of the modern French government was set due to the enlightened thinkers of the era. The idea of civil liberities and rights became the cry of the the French people wanting a more just government. The French people seeking justice, revolted soon after and even during the period. This revolt became know as the French Revolution.

A perspective of French Politics

As a man with a very objective point of view, I’ve been able to witness all the political changes in France during this era. Indeed, I have lived a long life, over 100 years, so I can comment on this subject. Anyway, during King Henry IV’s reign many civil wars were ongoing and there was generally a lot of drama. However, after a short, successful war with Savoy in 1601, the country was at peace. When he died in 1610, Marie de’ Medici ruled for the child king Louis XIII. She appointed Cardinal Richelieu to the council of ministers and he played a tremendous role. Richelieu’s policy was that all people were in total subordination to the French monarchy. Next came Louis XIV who had the longest reign in European history, over 70 years. It was during this era that France reached the peak of its absolutist development. The King commanded all the powers of the state, including judicial, military and political. Louis personally supervised a centralized bureaucracy, a state-directed economy, and a professional army. Everything was controlled by a single person. Indeed, Louis saw himself as God’s representative and thus felt entitled to do whatever he pleased.

French Society during the Renaissance and Reformation

Just like in all of Europe, the Black Death ravaged France and killed many. To add to the number of deceased the Hundred Years' War came around and killed many of the survivors. Out of all of this bad, came some good as the remaining French society gained a great sense of nationalism and pride in their country. After Charles VII rebuilt France, its culture blossomed. Soon after, the Renaissance was upon the French as it was ubiquitous in Europe. Those of the likes of Rabelais, van der Weyden, and van Eyck came from France or the Flemish states and had much great influence in literature and art. France also saw the rise of the Calvinist Huguenots, who slowly gained influence as religious toleration was introduced in the Edict of Nantes. Although France was never fully came under the spell of the baroque, Flanders did produce Peter Paul Rubens one of the greatest baroque painters. French society was filled with success and creativity as they came to the forefront as a European power.

Links

Unit 1

• www.american.edu/TED/BUBONIC.HTM
• http://www.fotw.us/flags/fr_hyw.html
• http://home.eckerd.edu/~oberhot/hyw.htm

Unit 2

• http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/a/DCTNRY/r/renaiss.html
• http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Literature/DF_literature2.shtml
• http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/reformation/france/16thc.shtml
• http://www.pipeline.com/~cwa/TYWHome.htm

Unit 3

• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/absolutism_and_france.htm
• http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/bnf/bnf0005.html

An Entry From A Member of The Clergy

Life in the Clergy has always seemed rewarding to me but now I am starting to find it shallow and empty. Yes i do live in a fairly lavish lifestyle but I am no more respected than the noble or peasant. The Monarchy retains all power and it is really starting to grind my gears. In times of old we were the ones who held sway over them but a new day is dawned where there is no balance of power in the sense that no one has any but the King! I wonder how the Aristocracy feels about all this malarkey? Divine Right?! Whoever heard of such a foolish thing?! I'll tell you what, first thing tomorrow I'm headed straight for Versailles and tell the King that the good Lord told me to dethrone him!

Orléans, France - The City of France's Near Death and Unexplainable Rebirth

Instead of visiting the generic vacation spot, Paris. Why not venture to an area not well known about but arguably the most renown historical site in France. It was here in Orléans, that Joan of Arc, the protector of France was born. During the time of the Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc felt she was being called by God to help her nation's struggling army. Because the army did not allow women to join, Joan posed as a man in order to be accepted. In her first battle in her hometown, Joan told the commanders of her visions and remarkably led the French to victory. While you are in Orléans, you can also visit 'Sainte Croix' a cathedral similar to Notre Dame in Paris.

The significance/impact of the era on France

During France's remarkable history, there was a specific era of constant warfare, religious reformation, and a humanistic renaissance. Although there were a significant number of strides gained for France, the country did face many difficulties that had unbeneficial effects. The era of war began with the Hundred Years' War, the English had come across the English Channel to claim a significant piece of French territory. After much English success, and with the apparent aid of Joan of Arc, the French led by Charles VI, France reclaimed land lost. With this France gained much power and was more properly recognized by other countries. Shortly after this came the Renaissance which influenced France greatly during the late 15th century (due to economic struggle because of the Black Death). The Renaissance caused a large scale literary, artistic, technological and architectural rebirth (Papal court in Avignon). Furthermore, the Reformation, arguably had the greatest effect on France and made France one of the greatest recognized super powers, of the era. France's war influence during the Thirty Years' War was unmatched and granted France the power that was for so long wanted.

The Journal of a French Peasant

I’ve seen the pictures, you know, of Versailles, the heavenly palace of King Louis XIII. I only wish this king, the supposed ruler hand-picked by God, could see what my family and I are forced to call a home. My dear wife and I have seven children, and they must all sleep within two cramped bedrooms. One of these bedrooms also doubles as the lounge area. Rats infest our home. Dozens of them. My father and grandfather have told me that it is impossible to exterminate them. You see, my family has lived here for nearly a half-dozen generations now. Predictably, over the years the conditions have deteriorated. It is not a place fit to raise a child. I pray every night that one day my children will one day live a better life. I cannot say the monarch and upper class make it any easier. The spoiled rich only care about themselves. Me and my family work hours upon hours in the fields everyday just to put food on the table. The taxes we pay, which undoubtedly go to necessary productions such as Versailles itself, are an abomination. There is no pride living in France as a peasant. Somehow, some way, we must fight for change.

- A depressed peasant

An Entry from a French Noble

Today marks the fourth week I’ve stayed at Versailles. Until one visits Versailles, King Louie’s playhouse as we call it, one cannot understand the things one can buy with unlimited wealth. There are gardens upon gardens, buildings upon buildings, luxuries upon luxuries. Unfortunately staying at Versailles is not always pleasurable. The great nobility stay here during times of social, political, or economic trouble. Thus, it is not surprising we often find ourselves here for months at a time.

Nothing could be actually done by the Crown if not for its collaboration with the nobility regarding all the important issues of our time. Without this teamwork, many of our mutual goals could never have been accomplished. It has been said by some that the nobility have our own selfish and independent interests. In reality, everyone in this nation does. The monarchy wants more power, the nobility more money and a higher social status, and the peasants, well, who cares? For instance, the nobility have allowed the King to tax the people of France so long as the nobility are excluded from these taxes. Perhaps for the poor peasants this is a major burden, but my family remains rich. Admittedly though, because we are exempt from paying taxes, we cannot decide how the tax money is used. Ho hum. Perhaps one day the king and his palace will be abandoned and all the power will lie with the nobility…

- Paul-Henri Mathieu V

From The Journal of Louis the XIV

Dear Journal,
Have I ever told you about the time the Lord came to me in a dream and declared me the undisputed ruler over all of France? No?! Well its quite the story. You see i was laying in my bed and i dozed off, the next thing i knew God was telling me to assume all authority and power of the kingdom and proceed to rob everyone of their rights and freedoms whenever i chose. So with all this money and power i created the grand palace of Versailles, a very swinging bachelor pad. Theres been buzzing in the kingdom lately since i revoked the Edict of Nantes and declared the church a state within a state, politics you know. I try to keep a little time for myself by indulging in some mercantilism. I just know I'm gonna have to behead someone before the week is out. When is anyone going to get to know the real me?

- Louis the XIV

From The Journal of Louis the XIII

Dear Journal,

Those Huguenots are starting to get on my last Croissant ! I can not wait for an excuse to wipe them out...OH that's right i don't need one because I have absolute power! Breaking the Nobles of all their power was a brilliant idea, it's good to be the King. All and all administrative reform and centralized control have been quite beneficial to giving me more power. I'd like to see that good for nothing Hapsburg step to me now! Me and my main man Cardinal Richelieu are probably gonna kick it tomorrow, that guy is the bomb. We have so much in common...giving more power to the monarchy, empowering France and most importantly, hating Huguenots! Ill meet him at the wine and cheese tasting tomorrow.
- Lou

Politics During the Renaissance and Reformation

France was extremely involved in Europe during the times of the Renaissance and Reformation. France was a main player in the Hundred Years' War with England (ca 1337 - 1453). When the French king, Charles IV, died heir less, his closest relative was sitting upon the throne of England. As the French and English were rivals, the French barons excluded Edward III (of England) and passed the throne to Philip VI of Valois. English made a large push at the beginning of the war but eventually France won it all back and was the victor in the War. With France's victory in the Hundred Years' War, came strong nationalism and France's emergence onto the scene as a European power. France was also deeply involved in the Babylonian Captivity and the Great Schism. During the Babylonian Captivity (1309 - 1376) the popes lived in Avignon in France as a result of pressure from Philip the Fair. The papacy was moved back to Rome with Pope Gregory XI and when his successor, Urban VI, lost favor with the cardinals they slipped away to Avignon, declared Urban VI's election invalid, and elected a new pope in Clement VII. This came to be known as the Great Schism in the church as now there were two popes, one ruling from Italy, and the other ruling from France.

After the Hundred Years' War, France had a long road to recovery, which was initiated by Charles VII. Charles made many beneficial reforms including creating the first royal army, recognizing the royal council and giving increased influence to the middle class men, strengthening royal finances through taxes on salt (gabelle) and land (taille), and also by publishing the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges which asserted the superiority of a general council over the papacy by giving the French crown control over appointing bishops. Charles' son, Louis XII was also able to unite the majority of France through his exploits. He invaded Burgundy after the death of its duke, Charles Bold, gained the counties of Anjou, Bar, Maine, and Provence with the extinction of the house of Anjou, and added Brittany with his marriage to Anne of Brittany. Louis XII also signed the Concordat of Bologna asserting the superiority of a general council over the papacy and Louis approved the pope's right to receive the first year's income of new bishops. Louis also gained control over the appointment and policies of church officials in his kingdom.

France also experienced much religious turmoil as the influence of the French Huguenots increased. This religious turmoil began with the weak leadership of Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. Their mother, Catherine de' Medici had much influence and wielded it in a manipulative manner. She wanted civil and religious peace and also believed that two religions could not exist together peacefully. Catherine decided to marry her daughter, Margaret of Valois, to a protestant, Henry of Navarre, which was a mask of reconciliation between Catholics and Huguenots. On St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24, 1572) she ordered a massacre of all the Huguenots the night before the wedding. This incident became known as the St. Batholomew's Day massacre. From this arose the War of Three Henry's as Henry of Navarre went to war against King Henry III and Henry of Guise. After both Henry of Guise and King Henry III died in this war, Henry of Navarre rose to the throne as King Henry IV. Once upon the throne he converted to Catholic, famously stating that, "Paris is worth a mass". He also issued the Edict of Nantes which granted religious freedom to all Catholics and Huguenots in France creating internal peace in France.

France also had some influence in the Thirty Years' War. At the time, the French foreign policy was based on containing the powerful Habsburgs. In the final two stages of the war, King Louis XIII helped the Protestants win the war against the Habsburgs to allow religious freedom in Germany.