Question

Describe the economic situation of France at Louis sixteen

Answer 1

When Louis XVI ascended the throne, the national loans increased a lot. The state treasury was in deficit of Francs two crore annually. On the other hand, the peasantry was burdened with taxes.

Louis XVI was much worried to see this miserable condition of the people and he wanted to improve it. He appointed several financial ministers but all of them failed to make any improvement.

The following finance ministers were appointed by the king to improve the economic condition of France:

Turgot (1774-76)

Louis XVI, after his accession, first of all appointed Turgot to the post of Finance Minister. He chalked out a detailed programme to improve the economic condition of France. He wanted to minimise the state expenses.

He also intended to impose taxes on the nobles and the priests who were hitherto exempted from all taxes. But the queen and the nobles along with priests opposed him vehemently and he was removed by the king.