Question

does subsistence crisis mean? what led to subsistence crisis in France?

Answer 1

Answer:

Subsistence crisis means an extreme situation where the basic means of livelihood are endangered. During the Old Regime, subsistence crisis frequently occurred in France.

The reasons that led to subsistence crisis are as follows :-

(i) The population of France rose from about 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789 which led to a rapid increase in the demand for food grains.

(ii) Production of grains could not keep pace with the increasing demand. So, the price of the bread which was the staple diet of majority rose rapidly.

(iii) Most workers were employed as labourers on fixed wages. Their wages could not keep pace with the rise in prices.

(iv) Gap between the poor and the rich widened. Poor remained poor, but the rich became richer.

(v) The crisis of food grains became worse whenever drought or hail reduced the harvest.