French 291

Lecture Notes
 Table of Contents

Page

Lecture Notes

Lecture 1 Introduction to Pre-Roman France 1

Lecture 2 France from the Roman Conquest to the Early Middle Ages 4
Lecture 3 France of the High and Late Middle Ages (987-1461) 8
Lecture 4 French Life and Institutions in the Middle Ages 13
Lecture 5 The Art of the Middle Ages 17
Lecture 6 Historical Background to the Renaissance 23
Lecture 7 Life in France in the Renaissance 26
Lecture 8 The Renaissance – Material Conditions and Architecture 29
Lecture 9 High Art in the Renaissance: Sculpture, Painting and Literature 33
Lecture 10 Renaissance Literature (cont'd): The Transition from the Renaissance
to the 17th Century 36
Lecture 11 Louis XIV and Versailles 40
Lecture 12 Architecture, Sculpture and Painting in France in the 17th Century 42
Lecture 13 The Academies in the 17th Century: Painting (cont'd). The Golden
Age of French Theatre 44
Lecture 14 The Literature of the 17th Century 46
Lecture 15 Louis XV and Life in the 18th Century 48
Lecture 16 Architecture, Sculpture and Painting in the 18th Century 51
Lecture 17 Art and Thought in the Enlightenment 53
Lecture 18 Literature in the 18th Century and the End of the Old Régime 55

Review Exercises for Self-Assessment

Answer Keys to Review Exercises

FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 1

Lecture 1

Introduction to Pre-Roman France

1. Geographical features: [MAP 5]

a. Variety of terrain and climate

b. Good access to sea navigation
c. Temperate climate
d. Navigable rivers
e. Mountain defenses

2. Prehistory:

a. Paleolithic period
1. Lascaux [1514], [M 159]

b. Neolithic period
1. Dolmens – St. Michel in Brittany [M 185]
2. Menhirs – Carnac

3. Greeks and Phoenicians

a. Began to colonize about 1000 B.C.

b. Interested primarily in trade with Gaul

4. Gaul (600 B.C.-50 A.D.)

a. first inhabitants of France known to history

1. Julius Caesar Gallic Wars
2. Strabo Geography
3. Diodorus of Sicily
4. Tacitus

b. 60 tribes; Parisi found Paris

c. Common features:
1. language
2. religion
3. political system
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The Great Vessel of Vix

d. The Treasure of Vix

1. 500 B.C.
2. Burial of warrior leader – woman
3. Contains some of the most important objects of this period of western
civilization
a. The Great Bronze Vessel of Vix
i. over 5 feet or 1 1/2 meters high
ii. largest container of its kind remaining anywhere from
antiquity
b. The Gold Diadem of Vix
i. 480 gram diadem
c. State Chariot
d. Other objects, particularly cups and other ceremonial vessels
4. Important for the evidence it gives us of the nature of early Gallic
society
a. Trading people
b. Powerful and sophisticated civilization
c. Women treated as equals

Chapter 1 – Questions

1. Discuss the peoples who settled in France before the arrival of the Romans.

2. Discuss the nature of Gallic society (600-50 B.C.).

3. How was Gaul politically organized by the Romans both before and after the
introduction of Christianity?

4. What are the principle lasting effects of the Roman conquest of Gaul?
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Lecture 2

France from the Roman Conquest to the Early Middle Ages

1. Early Greek and Roman presence in France

2. Final conquest by Rome

Vercingetorix defeated 52 BC
We know about him through the writings of Julius Caesar

3. Contributions of Rome to French civilisation:

a. 500 years of effective administration

b. Latin language

c. urban way of life

d. cities were founded

Nimes
Arles

e. technical advancement
Aquaducts
Pont du Gard [G 75]
domestic conveniences
roads
bridges

f. Art

g. Christianity
Martyrs of Lyon
Blandine
Martin of Tours

Chapter 2 – Questions

1. Discuss the effects of the mass migration of Asian peoples into Europe at this time.

2. Explain the origin of the major domus and define his role, using specific examples,
during this period of French history.

3. What factors led to a fusion between the German invaders and the Gallo-Roman
population left after the collapse of the Roman imperial government?

4. Discuss the rise of Christianity from late Roman times to the early eighth century.
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Merovingian and Carolingian Era

1. Meaning of the term "Middle Ages"

2. Merovingian

a. Invasions of tribes from the north-east

pushed by the Huns
Visigoths
Alammani
Burgundians
Bretons
Francs

b. Merovaeous
Genevieve
Troyes

c. Clovis
established Paris as his capital
Clothilda
crowned at Rheims

d. Later merovingian kings were weak

dynasty collapsed

3. Carolingian

a. Charles Martel
Battle of Poitiers against Muslims (732)

b. Pepin the Short

established the tradition of divine right of kings

c. Charlemagne*
known through Einhard's biography
expanded the French Kingdom
skilled administrator
missi dominici
plaids
capitularies
educational reform
Alcuin
religious changes

d. French Empire declined after Charlemagne's death

kingdom divided
conflict
Oaths of Strasbourg (Serments de Strasbourg) (842)
Treaty of Verdun (843)
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 7

Chapter 3 – Questions

1. Discuss Charlemagne's support of the Roman Catholic Church with specific

reference to policies he introduced.

2. After the breakup of Charlemagne's empire, feudalism grew steadily. Briefly outline
the nature of the feudal order and discuss the causes for its growth.

3. Describe the origins of the Normans and their effect on the peoples living in what is
now France.

4. Discuss Charlemagne's achievement in extending and governing the kingdom left to

him by Pepin the Short. Explain why this unity did not long survive his death.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 8

Lecture 3

France of the High and Late Middle Ages (987-1461)

Capetians (ca. 1000-ca. 1300)

Early Valois (ca. 1300-ca. 1450)

1. Capetian Era*
Period of expansion of power over the territory of France

a. Hugues Capet (ca. 941-996)

b. Philip I (1052-1108)
Bayeux Tapestry [K 31], [1617]
Battle of Hastings
Harold

2. History of everyday life also important during this period

a. During the Capetian era:

good weather, crops
demographic growth
founding of the Universities
development of France as the centre of the Catholic faith
monasteries
pilgrimages
crusades
construction
cathedrals
fortified castles
fortified towns
trade
fairs
French national culture

b. In contrast, during the early Valois period:

bad weather
crop failure
limited demographic growth
high death rate
plague
subsistence existence
education ceased to evolve
religious decline
clergy ignorant and dissolute
sale of indulgences
venal clergy
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 9

competition grew in trade

art and literature became elaborate but repetitive
Flamboyant Gothic
Rhétoriqueurs

3. Individuals who made a difference:

a. Philip Augustus (1165-1223)

restitution of the kingdom
administrative reform
extended King's authority
embellished Paris

b. Louis IX (1214-1270)
Saint Louis
Joinville
Sainte Chapelle [G 290], [MG 58]
reformed justice
financial reform
Cour des Comptes

c. Philip the Fair (1478-1506)

centralized French State
developed Paris as a capital

Late Middle Ages (Early Valois Kings)

1. Features of the period:
Hundred Years' War
great plagues
triumph of centralized monarchy
rise of the middle class

2. Some important individuals

Christine de Pisan
Etienne Marcel*
Joan of Arc
Jacques Coeur

3. Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)*

Cause:
Edward III of England claimed throne of France
Salic law
Battles:
Crecy
Poiters
Agincourt
Importance of Joan of Arc to unity
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 10

4. Plague
broke out in 347
Bubonic and Pneumonic
Marseilles
Avignon
population decimated

5. Weak Kings

6. Feudal System
based on interdependence of needs
Clergy
Third Estate (Tiers Etat)
Nobility
Feudal links largely between members of the nobility
Castle
Dungeon or Keep
Moat
Drawbridges
Well
Kitchen
Storage
Chapel
Open Space
Chateau Gaillard [MG 267]
Pierrefonds [G 292]

2a. Jacques Coeur (1395-1456)

entrepreneur
Bourges [G 262]

2b. Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

peasant
Lorraine
Vaucouleurs
Chinon
La Ditie de Jeanne d'Arc by Christine de Pisan

Chapter 4 – Questions

1. Briefly outline the fortunes of the English kings on French soil from William the
Conqueror to 1328 with reference to the causes of the lengthy Anglo-French
hostilities.

2. The crusading spirit was founded in France. Discuss the extent of French
participation in the crusades of this period.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 11

3. In the Middle Ages, Louis IX was considered by his contemporaries as the "perfect
model of a Christian king". Discuss his character and achievements.

4. Discuss the varying relations of the French rulers with the Papacy in this period
with reference to the lasting effects of this special relationship.

Chapter 6 – Questions

1. Discuss Joan of Arc's short career with reference to her lasting fame as an icon of
France.

2. After growing rapidly, the population of France decreased even more rapidly.
Discuss the causes.

3. What factors gave the English armies an advantage throughout much of the
Hundred Years War? How did Charles V and Charles VII finally meet the
challenge?

4. Discuss administrative changes in the central government in this period and their
lasting effects.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 12
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 13

Lecture 4

French Life and Institutions in the Middle Ages

1. Importance of the Christian Church

2. Monasticism
Monks and nuns governed by the Rule
Plain-chant
Elements of the Monastery [MG 268]
cloister
church
dormitory
refectory
chapter house
kitchens
library/scriptorium
cellar
infirmary
Benedictine
Cluny
Cistercian
Fontenay [MG 269]
Bernard of Clairvaux
Dominican
Franciscan

3. Pilgrimage
Santiago de Compostella (St Jacques de Compostelle)
Le Puy
Conques
Moissac

4. Crusades
similar to pilgrimages
Knights of Saint John
Templars
important impact on French way of life

5. Educational institutions
Clergy
Administrators
Tradespeople
Guilds
Universities
Paris
College de Navarre
College de Guienne
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 14

Seven Liberal Arts

Trivium
Quadrivium
Toulouse
Montpellier

6. Daily Life
limited, repetitive existence

7. Life in Towns
artisans, professionals, students lived in towns
walled
Carcassonne [G 266]
Rouen

8. Life in the Country

Tres Riches Heures of the Duc de Berri [K 294], [1218], [K 202]
Jean de Berri*
Limbourg brothers
Jean Colombe
a rich source of information about life in the country

Peasant and Noble life

The lives of peasants changed little throughout the whole time period
They eked out an existence on the land
travelled very little
left few monuments

Gradually through the same period, the lives of the nobility evolved from one scarcely
different from that of the peasants to one characterized by riches and greater comfort.

Life of the Nobility

Early Middle Ages
Lived in Castles, in dungeon
kitchen separate
lord absent
lady ran castle in his absence
news brought by roving entertainers
Later Middle Ages
as need to fight declined, nobles moved to unfortified castles
tournaments,
group entertainments
visiting
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 15

Chapter 5 – Questions

1. Describe the characteristics of the most important monastic orders of this time.

2. A middle class was developing in this period as trade and industry were
reawakened from the "dark ages" following the fall of Rome. Discuss its growth.

3. The Roman Catholic Church was responsible for much of the growth of civilization
during this period. Describe its beneficial effects.

4. Discuss the effects of the Crusades on the French way of life.

FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 16
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Lecture 5

The Art of the Middle Ages

Art for Wealthy and powerful

Two styles dominate the art of the High Middle Ages

Romanesque (1000-1130)
horizontal emphasis
simple, heavy lines
geometric ornamentation
little expressivity of human figures
thick walls,
few windows and doors
relatively low ceilings
round vaults
plain exteriors

Gothic (1135-1450)
vertical emphasis
human figures
expressive, life-like
pointed arch
pointed vaults
high, large windows
thin walls with flying buttresses

Painting

Fresco

Murals on walls of churches

1. View of Apse: Christ in glory

Church at Berzé-la-Ville
12th century
[K 177]

Miniature

manuscript illumination
800-1500
brilliant colours

1. St. Matthew: Shatzkammer Gospel (Coronation Book of Charlemage)

About 800 A.D. (NOT 19th century: sorry about the slip of my tongue!)
[K 167]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 18

2. Trumpets of Jericho. Psalter of St. Louis

About 1256
[1609]

3. Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux: Annunciation

Jean Pucelle
About 1325-1328
[K 293]

4. Très Riches Heures of the Duc de Berri

A Book of Hours or prayer book
Pol de Limbourg and Brothers
1415-16
[1218]

Sculpture

1. Tympanum, Moissac
First half, 12th century
[K 48]
Romanesque in style

2. Tympanum, Facade, Chartres

Middle of 12th century
[K 56]
Gothic in style

3. Sculptured Capital
Mozac
First half of 12th century
[K 44]
Annunciation of the resurrection of Christ to Mary Magdelaine
Figures stubby, disproportionate and schematic

4. Figures, West Front, Chartres

Middle of the 12th century
[K 57]

5. The Virgin, Portal of Vièrge Dorée, Amiens

About 1265-1270
[K 161]
Figure expressive, well proportioned and realistic
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 19

Architecture: The Great Cathedrals

Architects
highly prestigious calling in the Middle Ages
designed and supervised the building
The only professional visual art practised by gentlemen
Pierre de Montreuil (xxxx)
Saint Germain des Près
Sainte Chapelle [G 290], [MG 58]
St Denis

Saint-Sernin, Toulouse – Romanesque [G 322]

1. East End, St. Sernin, Toulouse

About 1060-70-13th century
[G 323]

2. Nave, looking east, St. Sernin, Toulouse

About 1060-1120
[G 324]

3. Plan, St. Sernin, Toulouse

[MG 186]

Amiens – Gothic

1. Cathedral, West End, Amiens

About 1220-1269
[G 251]

2. Nave, looking east, Amiens

1220-1269
[G 252]

3. Plans of Gothic Cathedrals

[G 330]

Other Cathedrals

1. Notre Dame de Paris

[G 287], [G 288]

2. Chartres
[G 268], [G 269]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 20

Stained Glass

St Denis
Numinosity

1. King David with Harp, Chartres

12th century
[1608]

2. Rose Window dedicated to the Virgin, Chartres

12th century
[K 267]

Fine Metalwork

Skill practised by earlier celtic ancestors

Used to religious purposes
Cabochon cut jewels

1. Sainte Foy (Gilded Wood with Jewels)

Late 10th century
[K 313]

2. Chalice of Abbot Suger

12th century
[P 100]

3. Sliver Virgin of Jeanne d'Evreux

14th century
[K 272]

Needlework

Paris
Arras
Tournai

1. Bayeux Tapestry
11th century
[K 31], [1617]

2. Apocalypse of Angers: John's Vision

Jean Bondel
14th century
[K 98]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 21

3. Lady and Unicorn Tapestry

15th century
[K 273]

Literature

1. Strasbourg Oaths

2. Chansons de Geste
Song of Roland (Chanson de Roland)
Roncesvalles

3. Romances
Romance of the Rose (Roman de la Rose)
Guillaume de Lorris
Jean de Meung

4. Chansons de Toile
anonymously composed by women

5. Fabliaux
parodies of the Chanson de Geste and Romances
Renard the Fox
Ysengrin the Wolf
Roman de Renard

6. Theatre

Serious plays
Mystery plays
Biblical themes
Miracle plays
Saints lives

Comic
Farce
Farce de Pathelin

7. François Villon (1431-1463)

poor orphan raised by a priest
educated at the Sorbonne
involved in crime: theft and murder
imprisoned and condemned to death, although not executed
Note: distance between the courtly writing of the earlier Middle Ages and the
realism of this work.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 22

Ballad (NOT battle!) of the Hanged Men

Brother humans who after us live on

Do not make your hearts hard against us
For if you show pity to wretches like us
God will the sooner show mercy to you,
You see us, five or six, hanging here,
As for the flesh we pampered too much
A little while ago it was eaten and rotted away
And we the bones turn into ashes and dust,
Let no one make jokes at our fate
But pray God that He will absolve us all.

Because we call you "brothers" there's no need

To be angry, though we were put to death
By justice: anyway, you understand
Not everyone is born with good sense,
Make our excuses, now we've passed on
Before the Son of the Virgin Mary
That His mercy shall not, for us, go dry
Which keeps us from the thunderbolts of hell,
We are dead, let no one harass us
But pray God that He will absolve us all.

The rain has rinsed and washed us

And the sun has dried us and blackened us,
Magpies and ravens have caved our eyes
And plucked out our beards and eyebrows,
Never, at no time, can we stay still,
Now here, now there, as the wind shifts
At its whim without end it carries us
Pocked by birds worse than a sewing thimble,
Therefore don't be one of our brotherhood
But pray God that He will absolve us all.

Prince Jesus, master over all,

Don't let us fall in the clutches of Hell,
We've no accounts to settle down there,
Humans, there's nothing in this to laugh about,
But pray God that He will absolve us all.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 23

Lecture 6

Historical Background to the Renaissance

1. Contrast between homogeneity of the Middle Ages and the diversity of the
Renaissance
religion
concept of the 'world'
feudalism

2. Major events of the 15th century which influenced the development of the
Renaissance in France

1. Fall of Constantinople (1453)

influx of Greek scholars

2. Invention of the printing press

Paris, 1470

3. Contact with Italy

Italian Wars

4 Discovery of America (1492)*

Jacques Cartier (1534, 5)
Heptameron, story No. 77

And, in the 16th century

5. Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter reformation

Luther, 1520's

The Itinerant Court of Francis I

(March, 1533-June, 1533)

3. France, 1460-1595

1. Last kings of the Middle Ages

Louis XI
Charles VIII
Louis XII

2. The Valois Kings

Francis I (1515-1547) [1219]
first modern king
Fontainebleau Italian artists
patron of art and literature
religious tolerance
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 24

Henry II (1547-1559)
patron of literature
married Catherine de Medici
3 sons who succeeded him
1. Francis II (1559-60)
2. Charles IX (1560-1574) [E 4]
Massacre of St. Bartholomew, August, 1572
3. Henry III (1574-1589)

3. The first Bourbon King

Henry IV
King of Navarre
converted from Protestantism to Catholicism

4. Life at court in the 16th century

how the country's elite lived

Chapter 7 – Questions

1. In 1435, the Duke of Burgandy was made an independent ruler. Discuss the extent
of the Burgundian influence in this period.

2. Discuss the methods Louis XI used to consolidate his power with reference to
specific examples.

3. Although Salic Law prohibited women from ruling France, they could inherit the
great duchies. Discuss the roles of Anne of Brittany and Mary of Burgandy.

4. French territorial ambitions in Italy produced some lasting results. Discuss.

Chapter 8 – Questions

1. Discuss changes in the role of the bourgeoisie in the reign of Francis I.

2. Summarize the ways in which Francis I consolidated royal power.

3. In this period peasants suffered as other groups in society became more affluent.
Discuss.

4. Briefly discuss the sources of the conflict between Francis I and Charles V of
Austria.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 25

Chapter 9 – Questions

1. Briefly discuss the origins of Protestantism in France. Show how the social
composition of the new church represented a divisive force.

2. Henry of Navarre became Henry IV of France after a severe struggle. Discuss the
opposition to him and the reasons for his eventual success.

3. Describe the role of Catherine de Medicis in the religious struggles of this time.

4. Discuss the major suppressions of the Protestant religion from its beginnings in
France to 1598 with specific reference to St. Bartholemew's Day.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 26

Lecture 7

Life in France in the Renaissance

1. 95% of the population did not live at court

2. The world of this group marked by:

1. Physical insecurity
agricultural techniques unimproved
a. Cold: led to disease & discomfort
b. Disease:
high birth rate
high infant mortality rate
famine common
plague recurrent

2. Psychological insecurity
a. fear of real dangers
disease
violence
b. fear of the unknown
darkness
natural disaster
spiritual forces
God
the Devil

3. Sources of protection from these insecurities:

a. Not:
the state
the family
b. More usually:
the extended family
artificial kinship societies
active, communal life

4. Renaissance world view

for the majority (95%) there was little change in mentalities
limited concept of Space
imprecise idea of Time
cyclical, rather than progressive
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 27

5. Renaissance cyclical year

related to pre-Christian festivals
a continuation of a medieval view of society
Rhythmical alternation of festivals and work-times
1. Easter
2. May
3. Ascension & Pentecost
4. Midsummer – St. John's Eve
5. Assumption
6. All Saints and All Soul's
7. Christmas
8. Carnival and Lent
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 28
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 29

Lecture 8

The Renaissance – Material Conditions and Architecture

1. Dwellings:
majority lived in small, one room homes
merchant middle class, a small minority lived in larger, urban homes
wealthy middle class and nobility lived in large, elaborate stone homes
influence of Italian and Classical contact most evident in these

2. Furniture:
evolved from basic, portable items of the Middle Ages to larger, heavier, more
decorative fixed furniture

Chairs – simple stool or chest, with added arms and, sometimes a backrest by
eventually being upholstered

Chest – used for storage

placed on legs to become a cabinet
given drawers to become chest of drawers
in both cases, becomes larger & heavier

Bed – in Middle Ages, most beds consisted of a mattress with a frame on which
curtains could be hung to provide warmth and some privacy
frame becomes an integral part of the bed and is decorated with carving

Tables – the trestle table of Middle Ages replaced by fixed, heavy, ornate tables

Ornamental detail
Italian & Classical influence
decorative detail
inlay
marquetry
gilding
upholstery

3. Food:

a. Diet of poor:
pottage
beer
Diet of more affluent
pottage with meat
roasts
wine
bread
some condiments
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 30

b. Cooking
done on open hearth
large copper, iron pots
spits
pies, in covered "Dutch ovens"

c. Eating
Affluent
metal plates
wooden plates
slice of dried bread
knives, later spoons and forks
metal and glass cups
table cloth on trestle table
Poor
dipped from central bowl
leather drinking vessels

d. Procuring food
Poor:
gathered local produce
some small gardens
More Affluent
purchased some imported foods:
salt
sugar
fish
spices
Some foods not introduced until about 1570
tomato
coffee
vanilla
Ceramic vessels reserved for use in dairy

4. Architecture of the Renaissance

few cathedrals
most significant buildings of this period are the castles or châteaux of the wealthy
three periods of Renaissance Style:

1. Early Renaissance (1500-1525)

Blois-Louis XII [G 258]
Amboise

2. Period of Francis I (1525-1550)

Greek and Roman influence
Blois – wing of Francis [G 335] [G 336]
Chenonceaux [G 339]
Chambord [G 338]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 31

3. Classical Renaissance (1550-1600)

Greek and Roman influence
Louvre of Lescot [G 342]
Fontainebleau [G 340], [MG 187]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 32
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 33

Lecture 9

High Art in the Renaissance: Sculpture, Painting and Literature

1. Sculpture

a. Jean Goujon (1510-1568)

influenced by Benvenuto Cellini
mannerist in style
[E 180]

b. Germain Pilon (1525-1596)

influenced by Primaticcio
mannerist – Three Graces [E 177]
realistic – Tomb of Henry II [K 123]

2. Painting

a. early: portraits
Jean de Paris (1450-1530)
manuscript illustrations
Jean Bourdichon (1457-1521)

b. under Francis I
The work of Italian artists brought to France
Raphael
Titian
Andrea del Santo
Michaelangelo
Leonardo da Vinci
Mona Lisa
buried at Amboise

Fontainebleau
Rosso and Primaticcio supervised decoration mannerist in style
Gallery of Francis I [MG 187], [MG 96], [C 207]
new style of decoration as well as new architectural feature

c. Portraiture
Jean Clouet (1475?-1541) [1219]
portraits of many court figures
François Clouet (1520-1572) [E 3]
portraits
Corneille de Lyon (? -1574)
simple, sensitive portraits
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 34

d. Painters independent of the School of Fontainebleau

Jean Cousin (1490-1561) [ME 29]
continued in the mannerist style
Antoine Caron (1521-1599)
painter of the end of the 16th century
allegorical subjects
exaggerated use of perspective

3. Literature

a. Roots
– Medieval French
– Greek and Latin Classics
– Italian Literature

b. Poetry

1. Rhétoriqueurs
elaborate, rimed poetry
little attention to content

2. School of Marot

a. Clément Marot (1496-1544)

first of the great Renaissance poets
best known for poetic epistles
clever, satirical tone
translated Psalms

b. Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549)

lyric, religious poetry

3. School of Lyons

a. Maurice Scève (1500-ca. 1560)

Delia

b. Louis Labé (1524-1566)

Sonnets

c. Pernette du Guillet (1520-1545)

Rimes
all show the influence of Petrarch, the Italian poet, and Plato, the
Greek philosopher
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 35

4. The Pleiade
Defense and Illustration of the French Language (1549)
revolutionary treatise
replaced poetic forms of the Middle Ages with new ones of
classical inspiration
the work of Ronsard and du Bellay

Poetes of the Pleïade

Ronsard
du Bellay
and Baïf
Belleau
Dorat
Jodelle
Pontus de Tyard

a. Guillaume du Bellay (1522-1560)

a. Antiquities of Rome (1558)

sonnets on the ruins in Rome
focus on the nobility and decadence of the city

b. Regrets (1558)
intimate feeling of intense nostalgia for France
personal disappointment with rome

b. Pierre de Ronsard (1524-1585)

the "Prince of Poets"
possibly the greatest of all French writers of sonnets
many collections
Sonnets for Helen (1578)
inspired poets in many languages and times, including Yeats
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 36

Lecture 10

Renaissance Literature (cont'd): The Transition from

the Renaissance to the 17th Century

1. Poetry of the Renaissance (cont'd)

The Baroque Poets (ca. 1580-ca. 1630)
Agrippa d'Aubigné (1522-1630) Les Tragiques

2. Prose in the Renaissance

The Short Story

influenced by Bocaccio, Decameron
Bonaventure des Periers (1500-1544)
Nouvelles récreations & Joyeux Devis
Marguerite de Navarre
Heptameron (see introduction to text)

François Rabelais (ca. 1494-ca. 1553)

one of the greatest French comic writers
known in his time as medical doctor and writer of medical works
Pantagruel (1532)*
Gargantua (1534)
adventures of giants
contains social, political and religious criticism
innovative and creative use of language
Rabelais responsible for the creation of over 1,000 words in the
French language

Jean Calvin (1509-1564)

Institute of the Christian Religion 1540
first use of French in important theological document

Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)

Essays (1580)
a new genre, difficult to classify
rather unstructured musings on a variety of subjects: social (slavery),
philosophical (death, friendship) and personal
the first autobiographical work of modern times
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 37

3. Political transition to the Classical period

a. Henry IV (1553-1610)
first Bourbon King
Internal accomplishments
end of Wars of Religion, Edict of Nantes (1598)
appointment of Sully as minister
progress in Trade
extensive building of public works
reformation of taxes
encouragement of industry at home and trade abroad
assassinated by Ravaillac, 1610

b. Louis XIII (1610-1643)

came to throne at age 8
good but ineffective king

Richelieu [E 12]
his prime minister
ruled for him
ambitious Cardinal and clever minister
4 Objectives:
1. Ruin the Huguenots
2. Humble the nobles
3. Subject the people
4. Raise the status of the King
also encouraged colonization and trade with the new world
founded the French Academy (1634)

4. Life in the 17th Century

a. Life in the country

focussed in villages and around the home of a noble lord
Lord – lived off the land and some remaining feudal rights
spent some time at court, if possible, in order to arrange the future of his
children
his wife entertained largely by letters from court and by gossip with
neighbours
Other important inhabitants of country villages
the Parish Priest
most educated person in town
lived supported by tithes and his 'living'
the Schoolmaster
1698 on – schools compulsory
marginally educated
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 38

Town officers
a. Tambour – person who acted as postman and town crier
b. Garde – champetre – village shepherd and maintenance man
Midwife
older, single woman
frequently accused of witchcraft
Peasants
largest population group
continued to bear heavy tax burden, and to live as the peasants of
earlier times had lived
"Taille" was the heaviest of the direct taxes
also "Gabelle": salt tax
"Douane" customs duty
"Corvée" tax or labour required of all

b. Life in the city

except for Paris and Versailles, town life continued as it had since the 10th
century

Paris*
transformed in the 17th century from a medieval, walled city to the
beginnings of a modern, open city
streets paved – 1667
sanitary regulations 1697
Marais
"swamp"
fashionable living area
Ile de la Cité
island in the Seine river
site of Notre Dame Cathedral
Parliament
Law Courts
commercial centre
Left bank
student quarter – Sorbonne
new convent foundations – Port Royal
Right bank
Louvre – King's palace
Marais
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 39

Paris citizens had considerable autonomy

ruled by Mayor, aldermen and Councillors
Their responsibilities:
hospitals
education
commercial inspection
sanitation
defence
roads
policing
Special commercial activity located on streets
e.g. rue de la Huchette – area of cut-throats

Chapter 10 – Questions

1. Explain how the nobility in seventeenth century France retained their preeminence
despite measures Richelieu took to curb their power and a changing economy.

2. Discuss the reasons for open conflict between Louis XIII and the Hapsburg
monarchs.

3. Describe three ways in which Richelieu's policies were beneficial for France.

4. Summarize the measures Henry IV and Sully took to give economic and political
security to France.

Chapter 11 – Questions

1. In the middle of the seventeenth century, the Catholic renaissance reached its
height. Discuss the causes briefly and comment on the effects of this spiritual
reawakening on the social and political life of the time.

2. Identify the two Frondes and show how their challenge to Mazarin and Anne of
Austria led to greater royal authority.

3. Compare the relationship of Richelieu with Louis XIII with that of Mazarin and the
young Louis XIV.

4. Discuss how Mazarin's foreign policy, culminating in two major treaties, made
France the dominant power in Europe.
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 40

Lecture 11

Louis XIV and Versailles

1. Louis XIV (1638-1715) [1221], [E 20]

very long reign (1643-1715)
known to us by the writings of the period
Duc de Saint-Simon Memoirs
Mme de Sâvigné Letters – see assigned text as well as others in the huge
court which surrounded him at all times
a remarkable and controversial character
profoundly religious
several mistresses
two important ministers
Mazarin
prime minister until 1661
Colbert
not a prime minister, but responsible for a wide variety of
measures
modern accounting system
stimulated industry
External policies disastrous
Internal policies frequently unsuccessful
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685)
increased debt and misery among the people

2. Court life under Louis XIV

very different from the itinerant court of Francis I
centered in Versailles after 1663
Courtier's day (7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
began early
"Lever"
Mass
King's dinner
Afternoon activities outdoors
Apartments
King's supper
"Coucher"
ended very late
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 41

3. Versailles [MG 285], [G 346], [G 347], [G 348], [MG 286], [MG 117]
began as a small hunting lodge
1663 – became Louis XIV's royal residence
Large palace
1/2 km long
housed 5,000 persons
built in stages under a series of architects [MG 115]
1. Le Roy
2. Le Vau
3. Hardouin – Mansart
restored in 20th century
Gardens – designed by Le Nôtre [MG 114]

Chapter 12 – Questions

1. Discuss the ways in which Louis XIV's personal rule influenced art and architecture
all over Europe.

2. Summarize the methods Colbert used to increase the king's wealth. Discuss their
effects both in the short term and at the end of Louis XIV's long reign.

3. although an orthodox Catholic, Louis XIV was often in conflict with the Papacy.
Explain.

4. As the defender of Catholicism, Louis XIV attacked what he saw as heresy. Outline
the measures he took and discuss their results.

Chapter 13 – Questions

1. What advancements in military organization, engineering, and tactics developed in

this period? Discuss the ways in which these changes pointed toward a modern
army.

2. Summarize the main events of the War of the Spanish Succession and discuss the
results for France.

3. Discuss the role played by England in the military and diplomatic campaigns of the
reign of Louis XIV.

4. Briefly describe the state of the kingdom inherited by Louis XV in 1715.

FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 42

Lecture 12

Architecture, Sculpture and Painting in France in the 17th Century

Architecture
1. General tendencies: return from ornate style of Fontainebleau to more sober
classicism as seen earliest in work of Philibert de Lorme, Château of Anêt, Salmon
de Brosse, Luxembourg Palace

2. Pre-Louis XIV and Versailles

Jacques Lemercier (1585-1654)

church of the Sorbonne, Paris [MG 99]
town of Richelieu

François Mansart (1598-1667)

Maisons – Lafitte
Val-de-Grâe, Paris [MG 278]

3. Period of Versailles

Louis LeVau (1612-1670)

Vaux-le-Vicomte [MG 113]
Institut de France, Paris
East Front of Louvre
Versailles
Characterized by both baroque: ornate, emotional style and classical: symmetrical,
rational style

Jules Hardouin Mansart (1646-1708)

Versailles (after 1673)
esp. Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)
church of the Invalides, Paris [MG 103]
Place Vendôme, Paris [MG 281]
Place des Victoires, Paris

Sculpture
1. General tendencies: usually designed to be incorporated into an architectural
setting: building, tomb, garden

2. François Girardon (1628-1715)

"Tomb of Richelieu"[ME 37]
"Apollo served by the Nymphs of Thetis" [ME 128]
"The Nymphs Bathing" [E 182]
Decoration of the rooms of Versailles
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 43

3. Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720)

Decoration of Versailles
Hall of Mirrors [G 348]
War Room (Salon de Mars) [MG 286]
Tomb of Cardinal Mazarin [ME 130]
Statue of Louis XIV [ME 129]

4. Pierre Puget (1620-1694)

not associated with Versailles
"Milo of Crotona" [E 181]

Painting

1. General tendencies: movement from mannerism of the end of the 16th century,
through baroque and classicism often seen together in early paintings.

2. Simon Vouet (1590-1649)

"The Presentation of Christ in the Temple" Louvre, Paris [ME 33]

3. Eustache le Sueur (1616-1655)

"The Death of St. Bruno", Louvre [E 16]

4. The Le Nain Brothers

Antoine (1660?-1648)
Mathieu (1607-1677)
Louis (1600?-1648)
"Peasant Family", Louvre [1255]

5. Georges de la Tour (1593-1652)

"The Adoration of the Shepherds", Louvre [1256]
"Joseph the Carpenter", Louvre [ME 4]

6. Portraitists

a. Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1670)

"Cardinal Richelieu", Louvre [1269]
"Two Nuns of Port Royal", Louvre [ME 116]

b. Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743)

"Louis XIV", Louvre [1221]
"Bossuet, Bishop of Meaux", Louvre [E 22]

c. Nicolas Largillière (1656-1746)

"Louis XIV and his family" [E 20]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 44

Lecture 13

The Academies in the 17th Century: Painting (cont'd.). The Golden Age of
French Theatre

1. Seventeenth Century Academies

a. Académie Française (1635)

questions of French language
dictionary

b. Academy of Painting and Sculpture (1648)

director: Charles Lebrun (1619-1690)
"Alexander entering Babylon" [E 19]

c. Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-lettres – (1663)

questions of history

d. Academy of Sciences – (1666)

mathematics, physics and chemistry

2. Two great classical painters:

1. Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665)

sums up all the qualities traditionally associated with classicism
"The Inspitation of the Poet" [ME 110]
"The Kingdom of Flora" [1257]
"Shepherds of Arcadia" [1285]
"Ordination" [ME 114]

2. Claude (Le) Lorrain (1600-1682)

enormous influence on all subsequent landscape painters
"The Arrival of Cleopatra at Tarsus" [1220]
"The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba" [E 9]
"The Rape of Europa"

3. Theatre in the 17th century: The Golden Age

a. Three greatest playwrites

Corneille
Molière
Racine

b. Theatrical companies in France

1. Jesuit colleges
2. Wandering companies
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 45

3. Parisian theatres
a. Hotel de Bourgogne
Theatre of the Marais
Molière's company
Petit Bourbon
Palais – Royal
b. Marais and Molière join to form Guénégaud theatre (1673)
c. 1680 – Guénegaud and Hotel de Bourgogne form Comédie
Française

4. Commedia dell'arte
Harlequin
Polichinelle
Scaramouche

5. Opera
Pierre Perrin
Lully

c. Pierre Corneille (1606-1684)

Illusion Comique (1636)
Le Cid (1636)
Polyeucte (1643)
Suréna (1674)

d. Molière (1622-1673)
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
Tartuffe (1664)
Misanthrope (1666)
The Miser (1669)
The Middle-class Gentleman (1670)
The Imaginary Invalid (1673)

e. Jean Racine (1639-1699)

Andromaque (1667)
Phèdre (1677)
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 46

Lecture 14

The Literature of the 17th Century

1. The Golden Age of French Literature

usually divided
– 1600-1661
– 1601-1715

2. Prose

a. The Novel to 1661

Very long novels
Honoré d'Urfé
L'Astree (1607-1625)
Madeleine de Scudéry
Le Grand Cyrus (1649-1653)
Clélie (1654-1661)
Paul Scarron
Le Roman Comique (1651-1657)

b. After 1661
shorter books
Catherine de Villedieu
The Disorders of Love (1675)
Catherine Bernard
The Miseries of Love (1687)
Inès de Cordoue (1696)
Catherine d'Aulnoy
Story of Hippolytus, The Count of Douglas (1690)
M. Madeleine de Lafayette
The Princess of Cleves (1678)

c. Fairy Stories
Charles Perrault
Catherine Bernard
Catherine d'Aulnoy

d. Other genres:
Letters
Mme de Sévigné
Saint Evremond
Mme de Maintenon
Mme de Sablé
Memoirs
Cardinal de Retz
Duke de Saint-Simon
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 47

Aphorisms
La Rochefoucauld
Maxims
La Bruyère
Characters
Pascal
Pensées

e. Intellectual and didactical genres

Bossuet
Funeral Orations
Fenelon
Telemachus (1699)
Treatise on the Education of Girls
Bayle
Historical and Critical Dictionary
Fontenelle
Discussions on the Plurality of Worlds
Boileau
Art poétique (1674)

3. Poetry
Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695)
Fables
Satirical, free verse
intended for adults
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 48

Lecture 15

Louis XV and Life in the 18th Century

1. The Regency (1716-1723)

a. Philippe d'Orleans regent

1. Internal chaos: economy badly managed, debt, bankruptcy
2. Law's financial system
3. External relations: France isolated; English domination of high seas

2. Louis XV's majority (1723-1774)* [E 44]

a. Fleury: period of good advice until 1743

1. Annexation of Lorraine
2. Negotiation for peace with England an Spain
3. Careful economic policy: balanced budget, sea ports prosperous

b. 1743 – with Fleury's death, Louis decides to reign personally

1. No interest in routine of ruling
2. Poor judgement, neglect of economy and foreign affairs
3. Increasing discontent in all areas of society
a. Montesquieu Persian Letters
b. Voltaire English Letters
4. 1757 – assassination attempt
5. 1758 – Choiseul appointed
a. Jesuits banned
b. Treaty of Paris, 1763. France loses most of her North American
Colonies.
c. Attempts to reform economy fail
d. Provincial parliaments are increasingly demanding
e. 1770 – Choiseul dies
6. Maupeou appointed (1768)
a. Fails to effect reform
7. Final years of reign: uncontrollable increase in criticism of Louis XV
and his policies

3. Daily Life in the 18th Century

a. The largest country in Europe in the 18th century

b. Life in cities:
1. Main cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Rouen, Nantes, Lille
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 49

2. Paris replaces Versailles as the centre of intellectual life in France

a. Business
b. Cultural: Salons
c. material improvements in Paris
i. New suburbs
ii. Apartment houses
iii. Street lighting
iv. Cafés
v. Commercial art galleries
d. Paris life also very hard for some
i. Brutal police
ii. High cost of living
iii. Increasing unemployment
3. Port cities
a. Involved in overseas trades, especially with colonies. Important
proportion of total trade of France in the 18th century
b. Bordeaux
i. Direct trade of manufactured goods with colonies
c. Nantes
i. Indirect trade in slaves to Africa, then to America

c. Life in the Countryside

1. Not changed since the Middle Ages
2. Growth in population substantial
3. Taxes
a. Mainly born by peasants
b. Unevenly assessed
c. All goods taxed, especially staples
4. Good crops until about 1775, then serious crop failures.

Chapter 14 – Questions

1. What were the events leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1763? Discuss its effects.

2. Discuss the intellectual ferment of the time and its long range effects. Suggest
reasons for the growth of dissent.

3. Like his predecessors, Louis XV had to deal with religious controversy. Briefly
compare and contrast the religious controversies of Louis XV's reign with those of
Louis XIV's reign.

4. Discuss the effects of Mme. de Pompadour's influence over Louis XV.

FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 50
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 51

Lecture 16

Architecture, Sculpture and Painting in the 18th Century

1. The "French" style: Period divides (1715-1750, 1750-1800) into two stylistically
different halves

2. Architecture:

a. 1715 – 1750:
Return to Paris from Versailles
Suburbs – St. Honoré, St. Germain
Roccoco period
Gabriel
"Ecole Militaire"
"Place de la Concorde", Paris [MG 109]
Public Squares: Rennes, Bordeaux, Nancy

b. 1750 – 1800:
Return to straight, classical lines
Gabriel:
"Petit Trianon" [MG 118]
Interior of the Versailles Opera [MG 287]
Follies:
Richard Mique
"Hameau", Petit Trianon Park, Versailles [MG 188]

3. Sculpture:

a. Trend to smaller works, done in more fragile and reproduceable media:

bisque and terra cotta. Some exceptions

b. Guillaume Coustou (1677-1746)

"Horses of Marly" [E 185]

c. Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791)

"Equestrian Monument of Peter the Great" [ME 134]
"The Punishment of Cupid" [P 105]

d. Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)

Busts of "Washington", "Mirabeau" [E 190]
"Voltaire Seated" [E 187]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 52

4. Painting: 1715-1750

a. Antoine Watteau (1684-1721)

"Embarkation at Cythera"(1717) [1222]
"Le Concert"
"Gilles" – "Commedia dellÁrte". Pierrot [E 25]
"Gersaint's Signboard" (L'Enseigne de Gersaint) [E 30]

b. his pupil: Lancret

"The Music Lesson" [1223]

c. François Boucher (1703-1770)

"The Triumph of "Amphitrite"
"Diana Leaving the Bath" [E 40]
"Mme de Pompadour" [1224]

d. Portraits:
1. Jean-Marc Nattier (1685-1766)
"Mme Adelaïde" [E 33]
2. Maurice Quentin de la Tour (1704-1788)
"Self-Portrait" (1751) [E 45]
3. Elizabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755-1842)
"Portrait of the Artist and her daughter" [E 60]
"Marie Antoinette" [ME 49]
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 53

Lecture 17

Art and Thought in the Enlightenment

1. Painting: 1750-1800

a. Period of division in art: court art continues to reflect frivolity; middle class
art introduces social and moral messages

b. Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806)

"The Swing" (1766) [1286]

c. Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725-1805)

"The Village Bride" (1761) [E 46]
"The Broken Pitcher" [E 47]

d. "Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

"Boy with a Top" [1270]
"The Blessing" [1203]
"Still Life, Menu de Gras" [ME 56]
"L'Ecureuse"

e. Two landscape painters who bridge the 18th century

1. Claude-Joseph Vernet (1714-1789)
2. Hubert Robert (1733-1808)
"The Pont du Gard" [ME 121]

2. The Enlightenment:

a. Roots: 16th century – Montaigne,

17th century – Descartes
Also fed by English thought – Locke

b. Characteristics:
1. Sensationalism
2. Rationalism
3. Theory of Progress
4. Naturism
5. Tolerance
6. Scientific Spirit

c. The Salons:
centres of intellectual life in the 18th century
Mme de Lambert, Mme de Tencin, Mme du Deffand, Mme Geoffrin
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 54

d. The Encyclopedia (1751-1772)

Editors: Diderot; d'Alembert
Purpose: to sum up the progress of humanity
Ultimately filled 33 volumes, 10 volumes of plates
The first monument of modern, technical society

e. Scientists of the Enlightenment

1. Pierre Bayle (1647-1706)
Diverse Thoughts on the Comet Historical and Critical Dictionary
2. Fontenelle (1657-1757)
Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds History of Oracels
3. Buffon (1707-1788)
Complete and Scientific History of Nature, 36 volumes
4. Lavoisier (1743-1794). Chemistry
5. Montgolfiers (brothers) Joseph (1740-1810) and Etienne (1745-1799)
Hot air balloon

f. The Philosophers
1. A group of thinkers who attempted to reassess all knowledge in the light
of reason, using the scientific method
2. François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire) (1694-1778) [E 187]
The dominant figure of his time
Oedipe (1718)
English Letters (1734)
Candide (1759)
3. Denis Diderot (1723-1784)
Editor of the Encyclopedia
The Nun
Paradox on the Actor (1733)
Salons – art criticism
4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
Early association with the Philosophers, followed by alienation which
foreshadows 19th century thought
The most influential of the Philosophers, especially through his works
on political theory:
The Social Contract, (1761) and educational theory, Emile (1762)
The Confessions
The Reveries of the Solitary Wanderer
La Nouvelle Héloïse
FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 55

Lecture 18

Literature in the 18th Century and the End of the Old Régime

1. Thought and "belles-lettres" closely allied in the 18th century

2. Three divisions in the period

a. 1715-1734. Early development of critical spirit with continuation of old forms

(tragedy, comedy, novel, etc.)

b. 1734-1760. The Philosophers. New forms (history, political science,

metaphysical treatises, scientific writing)

c. 1761– French Revolution. The influence of reason loosens. Return to nature,

the refuge of irrationality and immorality – Sade

3. The Novel

a. Alain-René Lesge (1668-1747)

Gil Blas (1707)

b. L'abbé Prévost (1697-1763)

Manon Lescaut (1731)

c. Isabelle de Charriére (???)

Caliste

d. Olympe de Gouges (1748-1793)

The Philosopher Prince

4. Drama

a. Pierre Carlet de Marivaux (1688-1763)

Le Jeu de l'amour et de hazard (1730)

b. Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais (1732-1799)

The Barber of Seville
The Marriage of Figaro

5. Poetry

a. André Chenier (1752-1794)

6. Louis XVI (1754-1793)

I. a. The early, hopeful period (1774-1794)

FR 291 LECTURE NOTES 56

b. Young and inexperienced and unwilling to take control of his accession

in 1774. Married to a very unpopular foreign princess, Marie-Antoinette
of Austria

c. Early appointments able, if not always popular:

1. Anne Robert Turgot (1727-1781)
2. Jacques Necker (1732-1804)

II. a. The Aristocratic pre-revolution (1781-1788)

May 3, 1788 – Declaration of the rights of the nation
August 8, 1788 – The "Estates General" meet
July 14, 1789 – Bastille Day

7. French Society on the eve of the Revolution

a. The Nobility. Represented .5 to 1.5% of the population; owned 1/4 to 1/3 of

the land; monopolized taxes and offices

b. The Clergy. Represented .5-1% of the population; owned 6-10% of the land;
exempted from taxation; supported social and charitable work

c. The Middle Class. 8% of the population; no privileges, ambitious and wealthy

d. Peasants. 80% of the population; owned about 1/2 of the land; bore most of
the tax burden

e. Urban workers. 10% of the population; owned no land. Amongst the poorest
in France

Chapter 15 – Questions

1. Throughout the eighteenth century, little had happened to improve the conditions in
which the poorest people in France lived. Describe the factors leading to the
development of a rootless and potentially revolutionary class.

2. Show how the laissez-faire economics and administrative reforms of Turgot and
Calonne were unsuccessful. Discuss the sources of opposition to their policies.

3. René de Maupeou, as chancellor for Louis XV had introduced a series of judicial

reforms in 1771. Discuss the reforms briefly (see chapter 13) and show how their
repeal by Louis XVI added to the unrest in the kingdom at the eve of the
Revolution.

4. Discuss France's involvement in the birth of the new republic of the United States
and the effects, both immediate and long term, for the French nation.
Review Exercises for Self-Assessment
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 1

Chapter 1

I. Mark the following statements true (T) or false (F).

a) The Romans introduced making wine from grapes.

b) There was no opposition to Julius Caesar's conquest.
c) In the fourth century, Christian bishops became the most important elected
officials in the towns.
d) The pre-Roman Gauls produced a great body of art depicting their gods.
e) All of Gaul became Christian by the end of the first century.
f) Between 58 and 50 B.C., Julius Caesar conquered most of Gaul.

II. Matching

a) cave paintings 1) Lyons

b) bronze crater 2) druids
c) Christian religious centre 3) Lascaux
d) Gallic chief 4) Vix
e) megaliths 5) Massilia
f) Gallic priests 6) Brittany
g) Greek colony 7) Vercingetorix
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 2

Chapter 2

I. Complete the following statements by filling in the blanks with the appropriate
word or phrase.

a) Germanic tribes were pushed west into Gaul by Asian invaders called .
b) A tribal leader, Clovis, was supported by the leaders of the Christian population, the
.
c) The real power behind the throne was the mayor of the palace or .
d) Charles Martel joined with the southern kingdoms to win a great battle over the
.
e) The cultural heritage of the ancient world was preserved by the church in the
.
f) The Romans finally settled on a border zone at .
g) The most successful monastic order of this period was founded by .
h) Germanic culture was more pronounced in the while the Gallo-
Roman heritage was preserved in the .

II. Identify the importance of the following people in one or two sentences.

a) Attila

b) Ste. Geneviève

c) Clotilda

d) Pepin II

e) Dagobert I

f) Clovis

g) Charles Martel
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 3

Chapter 3

I. Identify the importance of the following.

a) oath of fealty

b) longships

c) Aix-la-Chapelle

d) Song of Roland

e) divine right of kings

f) St. Benedict of Aniane

g) February 14, 842 A.D., Strasbourg

f) fief

II. Circle the inappropriate word or phrase in the following lists.

a) suzerain, fief, fealty, chapel, vassal

b) canons, bishop, marches, scriptoria, Benedictine
c) Celts, Lombards, Saxons, Basques, Avars
d) Charlemagne, Louis I, Lothair, Charles the Bald, Charles Martel
e) Treaty of Verdun, Champ de Mai, founding of schools, missi dominici, expedition
into Spain
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 4

Chapter 4

I. Mark the following statements true (T) or false (F).

a) Philip the Fair was in conflict with the legalists.

b) St. Louis attacked the Moslems in Egypt.
c) Eleanor of Aquitaine brought a huge dowry of French territory to her second
husband.
d) Philip Augustus instigated the imprisonment of Richard I of England.
e) The Templars were destroyed by Philip the Fair.
f) William of Nogaret worked to increase the power of the Papacy.
g) St. Louis died while on crusade.
h) William the Conqueror was a vassal of the French king.

II. Circle the correct response.

a) William the Conqueror was duke of

1) Aquitaine
2) Burgandy
3) Normandy
4) Brittany
5) Toulouse

b) Philip Augustus took part in the

1) Battle of Mansurah
2) First Crusade
3) suppression of the Templars
4) conflict with Pope Boniface VIII
5) Third Crusade
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 5

c) Philip the Fair

1) increased taxes
2) led a crusade
3) married Eleanor of Aquitaine
4) was canonized by the Church
5) allied his kingdom with John I (Lackland)

d) The battle at Bouvines

1) was won by Richard the Lionhearted
2) occurred during the second Crusade
3) ended a six month seige
4) greatly increased Philip Augustus' domains
5) increased the power of the Papacy

e) Clement V
1) preached the Third Crusade
2) reformed and purified the Church
3) was poisoned by William of Nogaret
4) supported the order of the Templars
5) settled the Papacy in France at Avignon
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 6

Chapter 5

I. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase.

a) The invention of the and the made the use of

heavier breeds of horses much more effective.
b) The ship on the coat of arms of Paris recalls the .
c) To enter the ranks of the knights, or chevaliers, possession of a was
essential.
d) Pope Gregory VII established the principle that spiritual powers could be given
only by and not by lay authorities.
e) Trading in the Mediterranean was restored by the .
f) In this period population .
g) Mendicant orders of monks had neither lands nor permanent houses. They subsisted
solely on .

II. Matching

a) Bernard of Clairvaux 1) Benedictine order

b) Cluny 2) Robert de Sorbon
c) dubbing 3) Pope Urban II
d) University of Paris 4) Cistercian order
e) First Crusade 5) knighthood
f) Last Judgment 6) trade fair
g) Champagne 7) 1000 A.D.
h) Abbey of St. Denis 8) agriculture
i) mold board 9) Sugar
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 7

Chapter 6

I. Complete the following with the appropriate word or phrase.

a) Joan of Arc was handed over to the English by .

b) Charles VII 's most able administrator was .
c) In 1337, formally claimed the throne of France.
d) At the end of the war, was England's only continental
possession.
e) According to , a woman could neither inherit the throne or
pass on that right to her children.
f) After Philip VI's reign, the heir to the French throne was called the .
g) Charles V made commander of the army and constable of
France.
h) After an informal peace of thirty-six years, reopened the war at
Harfleur.
i) The Treaty of Arras in 1435 made an independent ruler.
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 8

Chapter 7

I. Matching

a) Louis XII 1) Edward IV

b) the universal spider 2) first conquest of Naples
c) Treaty of Piquigny 3) Louis XI
d) national assembly 4) Duke of Burgandy
e) Charles VIII 5) the father of his people
f) Charles the Bold 6) Estates General
g) great French nobles 7) Leagues of the Commonweal

II. Identify the importance of the following.

a) the "perpetual peace"

b) Pope Julius II
c) Anne of Brittany
d) introduction of the silk industry
e) the "good uncle"
f) Good King René
g) duchy of Milan
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 9

Chapter 8

I. Mark the following true (T) or false (F).

a) Francis tried to be elected Holy Roman Emperor.

b) A lasting alliance between France and England was formed at the Field of the
Cloth of Gold.
c) Francis I established trade relations with the Turkish empire.
d) Burgundy was restored to Francis I in the Treaty of Cambrai.
e) The city of Calais was recovered from the English in 1558.
f) Population remained stable in this period.
g) Inflation led to major social changes.
h) French art and culture began to show an Italian influence in the reign of
Francis I.

II. Choose the answer that best completes the statement above it.

a) The French language was confirmed as the only official language

1) by the Concordat of 1516
2) in the Treaty of Cambrai in 1529
3) in the ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts of 1539
4) by the acquisition of the "Three Bishoprics" in 1550

b) The major trading and banking centre in France was

1) Harfleur
2) Calais
3) Paris
4) Lyons
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 10

c) Francis I was responsible for the origin of

1) the Collège du France
2) Gothic cathedrals
3) the Sorbonne
4) the Salic Law

d) In this period, the Treasury

1) had the right to appoint bishops
2) centralized all tax collection
3) was directed by the Constable of France
4) was controlled by the bourgeoisie

e) For France, the final outcome of the wars in Italy was

1) the capture of Rome
2) no gains in Italian territory
3) the annexation of Sicily
4) closer ties with the Papacy
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 11

Chapter 9

I. Identify the importance of the following.

a) John Calvin
b) Jacques Lefèvre d'Etaples
c) La Rochelle
d) Catherine de Médicis
e) Huguenots
f) Peace of St. Germain
g) Mary Stuart
h) massacre of Vassy

II. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase.

a) In 1598, gave important religious concessions to the Protestants.

b) In 1593, made a solemn profession of Catholicism.
c) In August 1572, Parisian citizens and soldiers massacred any people suspected of
.
d) The attempted assassination of in August led to the massacre of
St. Bartholemew's Day.
e) A plot to capture Francis II and the royal family was formed by
conspirators.
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 12

Chapter 10

I. Choose the answer that best completes the statement above it.

a) One of Richelieu's chief policies was to

1) destroy the Huguenots
2) support the Austrian throne
3) increase the rights of nobles
4) discourage colonial activity

b) The traditional economic basis of the nobility's power was

1) foreign investments
2) sale of offices to the bourgeoisie
3) income from land
4 ) trading privileges

c) Richelieu was responsible for

1) starting a silk industry in Lyons
2) the tax on office-holding called the paulette
3) building the Long Gallery
4) founding the French Academy

d) A special ordinance allowed noblemen to engage in overseas commerce

1) only with Catholic countries
2) without losing their status as gentlemen
3) without paying taxes
4) if they had purchased hereditary offices from the crown

e) Louis XIII had his mother's councillor put to death. His name was
1) Concini
2) Mazarin
3) Sully
4) de Luynes
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 13

f) "A chicken in the pot" for each peasant family was a wish of
1) Anne of Austria
2) Louis XIII
3) Cardinal de Richelieu
4) Henry IV
5) Col. Saunders

II. Circle the word or phrase that doesn't belong in the following lists.

a) silk industry, road and bridge building, protection of fields and vineyards, annual
tax on inherited offices, persecution of Huguenots.

b) Austria, Sweden, Spain, Milan, the Netherlands.

c) Church of Val de Grace, Briare Canal, Pont Neuf, lodge at Versailles, Company of
the Isles.

d) support of peasants' demands, strong navy, colonial expansion, suppression of

Protestantism, "special commissions".

e) Sully, Richelieu, Descartes, Concini, de Luynes.

FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 14

Chapter 11

I. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase.

a) One of Jansenism's chief supporters was the writer of the Provinciales, .

b) The Fronde of the Princes was led by .
c) Anne of Austria took the command of the army away from Condé and gave it to
.
d) In 1648, the resulted from a meeting of nearly all the European
powers.
e) Louis XIV married .
f) The Home for Foundlings was started by .
g) The main centre of Jansenism in Paris was .

II. Matching

a) Jansenism 1) French acquisition of Alsace

b) St. Vincent de Paul 2) large dowry to be paid in full
c) Bishop Francis de Sales 3) Cardinal Pierre de Bérulle
d) Treaties of Westphalia 4) Paul de Gondi
e) The Parlementary Fronde 5) education of females
f) Anne of Austria 6) regent for Louis XIV
g) Marie Theresa 7) Congregation of the Daughters
of Charity
h) Ursulines 8) hermits of Port Royal
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 15

Chapter 12

I. Choose the answer that best completes the statement above it.

a) The great gardens of Versailles were created by

1) Mme. de Maintenon
2) Pierre Paul Ricquet
3) André Lenôtre
4) St. Simon

b) Louis XIV wanted to have the central government administered by members of

1) the old nobility
2) the bourgeoisie
3) the Parlement of Paris
4) the Three Estates

c) On October 18, 1685, Louis signed

1) the Treaty of the Pyrenees
2) the Declaration of the Four Articles
3) the Commercial Ordinance
4) the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes

d) Gobelins in Paris, one of the "king's manufactories" was most famous for
1) cotton goods
2) tapestries
3) glassworks
4) publishing scientific works

e) A theoretical and religious justification for Louis XIV's belief in his divine right to
absolute rule was provided by
1) Jean Baptiste Colbert
2) Bishop Jacques Bossuet
3) St. Simon
4) Cardinal Mazarin
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 16

f) The only method Colbert didn't use to raise money was

1) denying pensions to the navy
2) prosecuting corrupt officials
3) fostering new industries
4) adding new taxes

g) Louis XIV was known as "Le Roi Soleil" because he chose as the symbol of his
reign
1) Joan of Arc
2) the cross
3) the sun
4) a ship
5) the "Golden Arches"

II. Identify the importance of the following.

a) Mme. de Maintenon
b) Jean-Baptiste Lully
c) Vaux-le-Vicomte
d) the Camisards
e) the Declaration of the Four Articles
f) Jansenism
g) Robert de Salle
h) St. Simon
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 17

Chapter 13

I. Mark the following statements true (T) or false (F).

a) The Marquis of Vauban was responsible for revolutionizing the science of

attacking and defending fortresses.
b) Louis XIV was succeeded by his son, Louis the Great Dauphin.
c) In the Treaty of the Pyrenees, Louis XIV gave up unconditionally any and all
claims to the Spanish throne.
d) The Duke of Marlborough was very successful in leading the English armies
in France.
e) Louis XIV had a strong legal basis for the annexation of Strasbourg.
f) Prince William of Orange gave decisive leadership to the Dutch in their
struggle with Louis XIV.
g) Charles II of England gave Dunkirk back to the French.

II. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase.

a) Louis XIV sent troops to assist the Holy Roman Empire when it was attacked by
.
b) After 1685, Louis XIV lost support from Protestant kingdoms such as England and
Holland because he had signed the .
c) Because James II of England was succeeded by in the
Glorious Revolution of 1688, the coalition of powers against Louis XIV was
strengthened.
d) Louis XIV was succeeded by his great grandson, Louis XV, in .
e) The Treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt gave England two territories in New France,
and .
f) In 1704, at the Battle of , the English army destroyed the
main French army stationed in Germany.
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 18

Chapter 14

I. Matching

a) Austria 1) Denis Diderot

b) Corps of Bridges & Roads 2) Frederick II
c) Encyclopedia 3) John Law
d) Prussia 4) Daniel Trudaine
e) regent of France 5) Maria Theresa
f) General Bank 6) Choiseul
g) Spain 7) Cardinal Fleury
h) attack on the Jesuits 8) Philip V
i) Louis XV's tutor 9) Duke of Orlèans

II. Choose the answer that best completes the statement.

a) About of the population lived directly from agriculture.

1) 95%
2) 50%
3) 40%
4) 85%

b) The iron industry in this period

1) produced a large new class of industrialists
2) was centralized in a few large cities
3) remained small and backward
4) became a major source of wealth

c) The Farmers General

1) built a wall around Paris to facilitate tax collection
2) supported the innovations of John Law
3) undertook the building of canals to move goods
4) oversaw agriculture throughout France
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 19

d) Intellectual life flourished in

1) the queen's household
2) the French colonies
3) the court at Versailles
4) the salons of Paris

e) In this period, population grew rapidly because

1) there were no foreign wars
2) the peasants' living conditions became more luxurious
3) agriculture and transportation improved
4) Louis XV gained important new territories in Europe and North America
FR 291 REVIEW EXERCISES 20

Chapter 15

I. Fill in the blanks.

a) France regained and in the treaty with England

following the American Revolution.
b) The Roman Catholic Church, while controlling a large percentage of the wealth and
property in France, was exempt from .
c) The great nobles, who lived at the royal court most of the time, had incomes in
excess of 50,000 livres and discredited their class by their .
d) The Estates General or Three Estates consisted of , ,
and .
e) The economic crisis at the end of Louis XVI's reign was worsened by the failure off
the grain harvest in 1788 leading to a sharp rise in .
f) Since 1786 industry had suffered badly and the army had to be called out to put
down a by in the Faubourg St. Antoine in 1789.
g) Louis XVI married .
h) The final collapse off the reform effort seemed inevitable when
was dismissed as minister of finance in 1781.

II. Matching

a) Turgot 1) Report to the King

b) nobility 2) American Revolution
c) Calonne 3) doubling of the Third Estate
d) resignation of Necker 4) laissez-faire
e) Marie Antoinette 5) financing of schools, hospitals, etc.
f) Marquis de Lafayette 6) the Austrian woman
g) Estates General 7) "assembly of notables"
h) Catholic Church 8) exemption from the taille
Answer Keys
FR 291 ANSWER KEYS 1

Chapter 1

I. a) T (p. 11) II. a) 3 (p. 6)

b) F (p. 10) b) 4 (p. 7)
c) T (p. 13) c) 1 (p. 13)
d) F (p. 9) d) 7 (p. 10)
e) F (p. 13) e) 6 (p. 6)
f) T (p. 10) f) 2 (p. 8)
g) 5 (p. 6)

Chapter 2

I. a) huns (p. 16) II. a) p. 18

b) bishops (p. 19) b) p. 18
c) major domus (p. 21) c) p. 19
d) Moslem invaders (p. 23) d) p. 22
e) monasteries (p. 24) e) p. 21
f) the Rhine River (p. 16) f) pp. 18-19
g) St. Benedict (p. 24) g) pp. 22-23
h) north, south (p. 25)

Chapter 3

I. a) pp. 37-38
b) p. 36
c) p. 32
d) p. 29
e) p. 28
f) p. 32
g) p. 34
h) p. 38, see also p. 32

II. a) chapel – All the others concern feudalism directly.

b) marches – The others relate to the Christian Church.
c) Celts – Charlemagne led military campaigns against the others. For more
information about the Celts, see Chapter 1 and all references to Brittany.
d) Charles Martel – The rest all took the title of king. He was the power behind
puppet kings.
e) Treaty of Verdun – This happened in 843 A.D. after Charlemagne's death. The
others belong directly to his lifetime.
FR 291 ANSWER KEYS 2

Chapter 4

I. a) F (p. 52) II. a) 3 (p. 43)

b) T (p. 50) b) 5 (pp. 45-46)
c) T (p. 44) c) 1 (p. 54)
d) F (p. 46 – he merely prolonged it) d) 4 (pp. 46-47)
e) T (p. 54) e) 5 (p. 52)
f) F (p. 52)
g) T (p. 51)
h) T (p. 43)

Chapter 5

I. a) horse collar, iron horse shoes (p. 57) II. a) 4 (p 65)

b) hanse of merchant boatmen (p. 59) b) 1 (p. 64)
c) horse (p. 61) c) 5 (p. 67)
d) the Papacy (p. 63) d) 2 (p. 66)
e) Crusades (p. 59) e) 3 (p. 68)
f) grew rapidly (p. 58) f) 7 (p. 63)
g) alms (p. 65) g) 6 (p. 59)
h) 9 (p. 64)
i) 8 (p. 57)

Chapter 6

I. a) the Burgundians (p. 82)

b) Jacques Coeur (p. 82)
c) Edward III of England (p. 74)
d) Calais (p. 83)
e) Salic Law (p. 72)
f) dauphin (p. 74)
g) Bertrand Du Guesclin (p. 77)
h) King Henry V of England (p. 79)
i) the Duke of Burgandy (p. 83)
FR 291 ANSWER KEYS 3

Chapter 7

I. a) 5 (p. 93) II. a) p. 96

b) 3 (p. 86) b) p. 95
c) 1 (p. 89) c) p. 91
d) 6 (p. 91) d) p. 87
e) 2 (p. 94) e) p. 87
f) 4 (p. 88) f) p. 89
g) 7 (p. 88) g) p. 94, p. 96

Chapter 8

I. a) T (pp. 100-101) II. a) 3 (p. 108)

b) F (p. 102) b) 4 (p. 107)
c) T (p. 102) c) 1 (p. 110)
d) T (p. 104) d) 2 (p. 109)
e) T (p. 105) e) 2 (p. 106)
f) F (p. 106)
g) T (p. 107)
h) T (p. 110)

Chapter 9

I. a) see p. 114 II. a) Edict of Nantes (p. 125)

b) see p. 113 b) Henry IV or Henry of Navarre
c) see p. 121 (p. 124)
d) see p. 116 c) Protestantism (p. 121)
e) see p. 114 d) Admiral de Coligny (p. 121)
f) see p. 120 e) Calvinist (p. 116)
g) see p. 116
h) see p. 117

Chapter 10
I. a) 1 (p. 132)
b) 3 (p. 134)
c) 4 (p. 136)
d) 2 (p. 135)
e) 1 (p. 131)
f) 4 (p. 129)
FR 291 ANSWER KEYS 4

II. a) persecution of Huguenots. The rest were encouraged by Henry IV and his
chief minister Sully.
b) Sweden (p. 137). The rest were ruled by Hapsburg monarchs.
c) Company of the Isles (p. 135). The rest are building projects.
d) support of the peasants' demands. The rest are policies of Cardinal Richelieu's.
He sternly repressed protest from the peasants (p. 135).
e) Descartes (p. 136). The others were ministers of state.

Chapter 11

I. a) Blaise Pascal (p. 149) II. a) 8 (pp. 148-49)

b) the Prince de Condè (p. 142) b) 7 (p. 148)
c) Henri de Turenne (p. 143) c) 3 (p. 146)
d) Treaties of Westphalia (p. 144) d) 1 (pp. 144-45)
e) Marie Theresa, infanta of Spain e) 4 (p. 142)
(p. 145) f) 6 (p. 139)
f) St. Vincent de Paul (p. 148) g) 2 (pp. 146-47)
g) the monastery of Port Royal h) 5 (p. 147)
(p. 148)

Chapter 12

I. a) 3 (p. 154) II. a) p. 153

b) 2 (p. 155) b) p. 155
c) 4 (p. 162) c) p. 156
d) 2 (p. 157) d) p. 162
e) 2 (p. 152) e) pp. 160-61
f) 1 (p. 159) f) p. 161
g) 3 (p. 152) g) p. 159
h) p. 152

Chapter 13

I. a) T (p. 168) II. a) the Turks (p. 168)

b) F (p. 176) b) Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
c) F (p. 169) (p. 171)
d) T (p. 175) c) William of Orange (p. 172)
e) F (p. 171) d) 1715 (p. 177)
f) T (p. 170) e) Acadia, Newfoundland (pp. 175-
g) T (p. 169) 76)
f) Blenheim (p. 175)
FR 291 ANSWER KEYS 5

Chapter 14

I. a) 5 (p.186) II. a) 4 (p. 190)

b) 4 (p. 191) b) 3 (p. 190)
c) 1 (p. 193) c) 1 (p. 192)
d) 2 (p. 186) d) 4 (p. 192)
e) 9 (p. 179) e) 3 (p. 190)
f) 3 (p. 180)
g) 8 (p. 181)
h) 6 (p. 184)
i) 7 (p. 182)

Chapter 15

I. a) St. Pierre and Miquelon (p. 201) II. a) 4 (p. 198)

b) taxation (p. 202) b) 8 (p. 202)
c) ostentatious lifestyle, extravagance c) 7 (p. 205)
etc. (p. 202) d) 1 (p. 199)
d) nobility, clergy and commoners e) 6 (p. 200)
(p. 205) f) 2 (p. 200)
e) the price of bread (and therefore g) 3 (p. 206)
unrest) (p. 206) h) 5 (p. 202)
f) riot, workers (p. 207)
g) Marie Antoinette (p. 198)
h) Jacques Necker (p. 199)