You have each been reborn into French society in the 1700s. You are a peasant, urban worker, bourgeoisie, noble, clergy, or the King and Queen.
Respond as one of the following based on your last name:
Peasants/ Urban Workers (A - D)
Bourgeoisie (E - H)
Noble (I - L)
Clergy (M - P)
Queen Marie Antoinette (Q - T)
King Louis XVI (U - Z)
Respond in the voice of your new role. What are your hopes for France? What is your opinion of Enlightenment ideas? What would you like to change and what would you like to stay the same. Why and why not? (This should be a minimum of 2 paragraphs)
You must also reply to the post of at least ONE other person by telling them if you agree or disagree with their view for the future of France and why (Remember you are speaking in your character). (This must be a minimum of 1 paragraph - don't just agree or disagree - JUSTIFY!)
All posts, including your response must be done by 10pm on Thursday, 1-24.
As a low-class peasant, it is my hope to bring equality in limiting taxation, bettering treatment, and improving conditions for all citizens, including a hard worker like myself. It is unfair that we live in a society where the bulk of the population are peasants, but we are the ones being robbed of the wealth. I believe that hard work and labor should not leave us to pay land, poll, and tithe (church) taxes, but should let us have more opportunities. Status should not be defined by our rank given at birth, but should be measured by what we achieve for society. I want to be able to earn honorable wages, rather than be dependent on the nobles in the sharecropper farms we live on. The Third Estate wants a voice in politics, as we do contribute to 95% of the population. We want to use this voice to demand new needs, like limiting the taxes landlords deposit onto us.
ReplyDeleteI support Enlightenment ideas, such as the abolition of serfdoms, but the problem in France is those means are not being carried out. Although the social structure is not an outright “serfdom”, it incorporates ideas of it, with tribute still being paid to landlords. Other Enlightenment ideas, such as popular sovereignty, are also supported by us. Peasants agree that a ruler’s power should be based on the people and their support. Although absolutism is not ideal, if the leader listens to the people and treats us well, we can all live in harmony. These reforms will hopefully bring better conditions us, so we will not have to face tough times (such as starvation when the price of bread increases). It is also unethical to tax only peasants when the nation is in debt, due to the fact the debt was caused by vicious spenders such as Marie Antoinette with her extravagant court parties, and the king’s spending during the Seven Years War. I believe other social classes, such as the clergy and nobles, should not remain tax exempt, but should contribute to the state. One thing I’d like to remain the same is the ability for us to farm on our own land, although this right could use some improvements. We would like to be laborers for ourselves, instead of collecting food for the manor owners. With these new improvements France will be an equal, fair place for all social classes alike.
- Peasant and Urban Worker/Lydia Costantian
Dear Peasant,
DeleteAs I am also a member of the third estate, I completely agree with what you have said. The fact that we french still pay tribute to landlords that don’t do anything for us is completely ridiculous! If all humans are created equal, how come these nobles get much more than us just because they were born lucky? Everyone should have equal opportunities. It was hard for me to get to where I am as a Bourgeoisie, but it’s impossible for the peasants because of all these taxes! The third estate needs more influence in France's government!
Bourgeoisie/Eddie Hsieh
Dear Peasant,
DeleteI agree that the treatment and conditions for the people should be improved. As part of the royal family, I can say that we have been working on a way to reverse the direction that the economy and nation are heading. We have your best interests in mind and we would like to take all of your thoughts and ideas for consideration. Along with this, I do think that taxes are a very crucial part of this change. Although the nobles and clergy are tax exempt, they are contributing to the state in the sense that they are trying to improve it and come up with a system that benefits everyone. I also agree that the enlightenment ideas are good ideas. We are doing what we can to implement them but we are making sure that we have a beneficial and strong plan before putting it into place. Thank you for your ideas and contributions during this time!
-Queen Marie Antoinette/Leah Tucker
Dear fellow peasant,
DeleteAs someone in the same class as you, I completely agree with your points. Peasants should be given more opportunities to benefit economically, as we are hard workers. It is unfair to be followers of a government who don't have our best interests at heart and we have to pay for their mistakes. I hope with Enlightenment ideas becoming more popular, more peasants will join in fighting for a place at the table.
^ Peasant and Urban Worker/Karen Dominguez
DeleteDear my fellow Bourgeoisie, my nobles, my peasants, and my king, today I wish to address the problems of the French government. I say that we must reduce the influence of the nobility and clergy in government, but increase the influence of the 3rd estate. The ideals spread by great thinkers such as Locke and Rousseau have taught us that all humans are created equal, yet incompetent nobles still enjoy higher status than us - even when they have nothing. If the 3rd estate was given a stronger voice in the government, many of your concerns will be solved. Here are some of the things we wish to see happen.
ReplyDeleteThe Bourgeoisie would like to keep the basic forms of taxation. But to reduce the economic strain on the peasants and on the state of France, the clergy and nobles should be taxed, and the king should stop throwing such ridiculous parties! This brings me to the second demand, the abolishment of the reservation of positions for nobles.These once useful nobles have grown used to having all the power, and now they live on the back of the 3rd estate! We do not need feudalistic government anymore, we should replace the nobles with competent, educated men!
The bourgeoisie hope that France uses the enlightenment ideas to justify the removal of the noble’s elevated status, as well as the empowering of the third estate.
- Bourgeoisie
I accidentally submitted, sorry - Eddie
DeleteDear my fellow Bourgeoisie, my nobles, my peasants, and my king, today I wish to address the problems of the French government. I say that we must reduce the influence of the nobility and clergy in government, but increase the influence of the 3rd estate. The ideals spread by great thinkers such as Locke and Rousseau have taught us that all humans are created equal, yet incompetent nobles still enjoy higher status than us - even when they have nothing. If the 3rd estate was given a stronger voice in the government, many of your concerns will be solved. Here are some of the things we wish to see happen:
ReplyDeleteThe Bourgeoisie would like to keep the basic forms of taxation. But to reduce the economic strain on the peasants and on the state of France, the clergy and nobles should be taxed, and the king should stop throwing such ridiculous parties! This brings me to the second demand, the abolishment of the reservation of positions for nobles.These once useful nobles have grown used to having all the power, and now they live on the back of the 3rd estate! We do not need feudalistic government anymore, we should replace the nobles with competent, educated men!
The bourgeoisie hope that France uses the enlightenment ideas to justify the removal of the noble’s elevated status, as well as the empowering of the third estate.
- Bourgeoisie/Eddie Hsieh
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DeleteDear Bourgeoisie, I definitely agree with your perspective about reducing the influence of the nobility and increasing the influence of the 3rd estate. As a peasant, I am also a member of the 3rd estate, and I definitely think that we should follow the Enlightenment ideas from Locke & Rousseau. I also agree that we need more equality because the aristocracy and the monarchs have been taking away power and wealth from us. They should be taxed and not the 3rd estate because they have the most money, and I agree that they should put an end to their unnecessary, flamboyant parties because it drains a lot of our money. I also agree that we should follow Russia and take away nobles from the government because they can be susceptible to corruption and greed. I think that we fellow 3rd estate members must work together and fix France's unjust society and its declining economy.
Delete- Peasant/Joseph Caluya
As a noble within France, I do agree with your opinion upon the idea of enlightenment. I believe that way the government is ran right now is only hurting our country. However, I disagree with reducing the influence from my class. Instead, I believe that us nobles should be given more of an influence upon our country. As of right now, the king and queen can make decisions without our agreement which I disagree with. I believe that if the king and queen have to come to an agreement with us, the country as a whole will be out of the debt. Another idea that I disagree with is the idea of us the nobles and the clergy being taxed more. I believe that the bourgeoisie should be taxed more because of how important we are to the country.
Delete-Noble/Alex Jung
My hopes for our country is to improve it by reducing the unfairness and inequality presented towards the Third Estate and to promote the idea of equality towards all citizens. After years of being forced to pay taxes and fees and receiving no appreciation towards the work we do, the Third Estate has the right to revolt. It is unfair that only us, the citizens in the Third Estate, have to pay taxes. Especially for an economic debt that we had little to do with. The First and Second Estates must own up to their responsibilities. If they are the primary reasons for causing our debt, then they should be the ones to fix it. They also have no right to exclude us from having a say in what happens in our country. It is only right that all citizens should have a say in politics because everyone is affected by the outcomes of the king’s decisions. Enlightenment ideas have given us the courage and unity needed in order to fight for the country that we want. We do not want to follow the traditional rule, for it caused the oppression put on us. With enlightenment, we can only hope for a more reasonable and fair rule to be adopted by our country.
ReplyDeleteIn order for our country to become the way I would hope it to be, we must change multiple things. The Third Estate should not be the only estate to pay taxes, the other estates must pay taxes as well. This will help our country for all citizens will be contributing to reducing the economical debt we have. The Third Estate also must have a say in what occurs in our country. Especially since the higher estates only find ways to fix our country’s debt and problems by continuing to pour unfair taxes and fees on us. Also, since we make up 95% of the population, and since the higher classes have no idea what it is like to live as a citizen in the Third Estate, the majority of the citizens in our country are disallowed from saying what’s best for the country that they live in. I believe that our country still relies on taxes and different occupations. Each estate, when fair and equal, is extremely important to our country. We need each one so that our country can maintain economic stability and order. To undo our economic debt, we must pursue the use of taxes. This a way that we can provide for our country, but only when it is done fairly. These changes are extremely important in order to make our country great again.
- Bourgeoisie/Gabi Franco
Dear Bourgeoisie,
DeleteWhile I share your similar goal of making France prosperous and reducing the debt of the nation, I believe there are multiple ways of achieving this. I do agree with your point that some of the tax burdens have to be distributed among the nobility and clergy. As a member of the nobility, I have realized that my own prosperity depends upon the stability of the government and the loyalty of the Third Estate. Paying taxes for the government will indeed post a small burden to my great capital and it will also lessen the pressure on the peasants, increasing the chances of carrying out their duties on our estates. However, I have to disagree with the Third Estate being involved in the government so much. Since a great portion of the population is in this estate as you mentioned, their involvement in the government would only complicate the existing structure of it. The introduction of this entire estate to this position will bring a whole host of power struggles and clashes over the passing of laws within the country, with so many people involved, and this could actually make it difficult for the nation to improve its existing situation. Therefore, we must continue to rely on the defined and educated nobility class to efficiently pass the laws for the nation.
-Noble/Vihaan Jain
The citizens of France's concerns are of utmost importance. My apologies that you feel this way. A stable economy is vital to having a prosperous nation. Taxes are a form of income for the nation as a whole, so as you said, undoing economic debt is a crucial matter to keep in mind. That being said, there are other factors to consider. We have allies that we cooperate with, as what we give to them, we receive back. If wars were to take place, their support would be incredibly helpful. The scenario of damages being too great for our nation to sustain is possible. On a smaller scale, but nevertheless important, your support is also vital in maintaining an economy that can thrive. Ideas that come with enlightenment are heavily considered, so fear not of your voices being silenced. The formation of a national assembly is a result of that. Everyone deserves to be heard, and this country will be great if everybody can cooperate with one another.
Delete^ - Queen Marie Antoinette/Arielle Sevilla
DeleteMy hopes for France are, of course, in the best interest of France. Ideas of the Enlightenment stem from subjects such as religion, morals, etc. It most certainly has a positive impact on our nation. We must be able to understand the nature of this world so that we can improve our knowledge in creating a place for all of us where we can live and sustain secure lives. This goes for future generations. Setting up a successful future for our children lies within our hands. Our people are the highest priority, along with the prosperity of this country. Only can our country prosper if our dear citizens are willing to support decisions that are, ultimately, to benefit the economy. We must prevent an economic crisis from occurring, or else we will be the cause of our own downfall.
ReplyDeleteIt is with our country and the people’s future at hand that we have a national assembly. Your voices will be heard and taken into great consideration. Of course, the responsibility of our welfare does not only fall on our dear citizens. Our government works hard in bettering views of France as well as what truly happens within our country. I can assure you I provide guidance in this process, which is to explain for beautiful palaces that are being built so that your eyes may be visually pleased as well as your conscious’ that France will not be looked down upon. As exquisite as Versailles is, there are further additions being created to ensure the preferable vision that we all have for France. I meet with other figures of authority, not only to celebrate that France is on its way to forming itself into a formidable nation to keep in mind of, but to also collaborate and further advance on ideas to improve our nation. I ask that your ever so crucial cooperation and support in maintaining a stable economy will always remain so that France may continue paving its way to being a nation that will be remembered by others. The effort I have already seen our people put in that absolutely helps with the growth of our economy is inspiring and leaves me in awe. The union of the three estates pertaining to the communication of ideas for the betterment of France is necessary so that tension may never arise between us. Long live, France.
- Queen Marie Antoinette/Arielle Sevilla
As a member of the nobility of France, I firmly believe in creating a prosperous state that can rival those of across Europe. In order to create a state of this capacity, we should trust in the basic system of government and social structures that we have established, albeit making some crucial changes to what is present. The system of the three estates among the population of France is something that has persisted for quite a long time now and in order to support the future of France, we must maintain such divisions between the people. However, I have begun to notice that as time is going on, the national debt has been increasing as well while discrepancies are apparent among the upper estates and the Third Estate. A correlation is clearly apparent here and the nobles should support changes among these estates to turn the economy around in the country. With the spread of Enlightenment ideals among the nation, I truly support the core belief that the actions of the government and the people have to be based upon reason. On the other hand, it would be unreasonable to establish a system of complete equality among all three estates as this will not only create more clashes among people of different classes, but bring a period of instability resulting from the drastic change that could plunge the nation into greater debt.
ReplyDeleteIn order to ensure that France can become a prosperous nation, certain changes have to be made to some of the foundations while certain structures should be maintained. In particular, it is necessary to maintain strict social divisions among the three estates of the entire population. This system ensures that the population knows exactly what their job is in this society and that they can clearly fulfill the demands that can help support the growth of the country. Diminishing such class divisions can cause many people to turn away from necessary tasks of the state, such as agriculture, and ultimately harm our growth. Despite the system of class division apparent, there are certain changes I strongly support. To reduce the national debt of the nation, the nobility and clergy estates must be liable to pay a certain amount of taxes at regular intervals, similar to the peasants. People like me in the upper estates have a great amount of capital that makes it a minimal burden to pay taxes, which in the long run, will promote economic stability and guarantee that we can continue to earn money. At the same time, it is crucial that the Third Estate remains committed to their duties. I have lately noticed that the peasants on my estate haven't been working the way they should as a form of protest against the strict rules against them. In this way, we must lessen the amount of taxes and fees they have to pay on a regular basis. While this at first seems like a way for us nobles to get less money, this will only serve to benefit us in the long run since their loyalty will increase and they will work to help the economy. The government can then gain capital to build up infrastructure and continue supporting the status of the nobles and clergy. My ultimate goal for all of France is to reach a great level of economic prosperity and stability and the only way to cut down the nation's debt while maintaining the status of us nobles in society is to go through with the changes I have previously outlined. France can then leave a lasting legacy on the world.
-Noble/Vihaan Jain
My hopes for France are that it is an economically strong nation with many social outings and gatherings for the people. Along with that, I hope that France is able to achieve peace and our royal family will stay in power. We have France’s best interest in mind and choose to rule. Along with that, I hope that the three estates will be able to come to an agreement on what’s best for the people of France. Part of this will be the ability to boost the economy, which will take work from all three estates. It is crucial that taxes are paid and everything in our power can be done in order to get the country back on track. Although this is may not be an ideal situation for the people right now, it will improve the quality of life in the future, for us and the future generations. In order to reverse the economic decline that has been brought upon us, we must work together.
ReplyDeleteThe enlightenment ideas that have come upon us are going to be a very beneficial thing to our nation. The education, religion, and the advancements that these ideas bring to us will give us reasons to unify and change the nation for the better. This can help us improve the lives of ourselves and the people around us. With the implementation of these ideas, the government can work even harder to come up with a system that will work for all three estates. Along with this, we would like to consider the view of each estate in order to keep peace and cooperation within France. Art and architecture projects that come from enlightenment ideas will be a good way to improve our nation and be able to bring us back up to the top. In order to get an even better understanding of the enlightenment ideas and the methods of other governments, I have gotten in contact with many other brilliant leaders. In order to be able to push towards these advancements, it is crucial that we work together to turn the economy around. All of the decisions that we make are in the best interest for the nation and the people within it.
-Queen Marie Antoinette/Leah Tucker
I agree with your views on the Enlightenment. I think, as a noble, that this movement will have strong benefits for France, especially through new methods of other government, as you mentioned. I believe that the nobles, as influential elites, should be given more power in the government to assists you and the King in making decisions for our beloved nation. Furthermore, I also agree that our economy can benefit from the Enlightenment, which will greatly help France prosper. However, I do think that keeping strict social order between estates is the best way to achieve peace, along with our hopeful prosperity. All in all, I support your thoughts on the Enlightenment and hope you consider the well-being of the French nobles as a a great way to aide in France’s future.
Delete- Noble/Leah Larocco ^
DeleteAs a peasant, I hope that France will soon change the unfair social estates, allow the commoners to have a voice, revise the methods of taxing, and reduce the power of the aristocracy. My life is miserable; I have to work so hard and pay all of these taxes while the nobility, the clergy and the monarchy are up in their castles living lavishly and throwing luxurious parties. This is not right! Why do I have to work so hard and not bear any fruit? My efforts are just going to waste. I find it absurd that the lords expect me and my fellow peasants to pay taxes when we are already in so much debt and starvation. I definitely would like to see the estate system changed because it wouldn’t make sense to keep power and wealth with the upper classes when a majority of France’s population is in the third estate. Let the nobles, lords and upper classes pay taxes instead of shouldering it on us peasants. I hope that the nobles and the monarchy can wake up and realize that their extravagant parties partly account for the reason why France is in so much debt. I can’t believe that they don’t take accountability for it and pay up themselves. Peasants have nothing to do with the poor economic state of France; most of the money is wasted with wars and parties, so why do we have to pay for mistakes we did not make? I would definitely want to reduce the power of these cruel lords and create more equality. I also want to remove manorialism because the landlords are taking advantage of our work and they don’t treat us right. Instituting these new changes would benefit not only France’s society, but also its economy.
ReplyDeleteThis is why the Enlightenment ideas resonated with me; limiting the powers of the Church and the aristocracy means less tithes and taxes and more equality. The fact that these Enlightenment ideas encouraged more rights and a voice for the general population won me over, and I liked the idea of voting by head because it was more equal than voting by state. I would like the idea of instituting a parliament/group that would limit the powers of the king and queen and keep them in check. We can still keep a king and a queen, but they should not have absolute power and they should be controlled. These Enlightenment ideas would do wonders for France and help it become a stronger, more united European power. Much of the population would stay glued together because the commoners all want to have more rights and freedom.
- Peasant/Joseph Caluya
Hello, peasant, I understand your concerns. And while I have never been in your shoes and can't truly understand how hard it is to be you, I can understand your fears and I'm very sorry for your pain. However, taxation is important because it goes to the dire deficit of the country. Without taxation, the country would fall deeper and deeper into crisis, and that is felt by the third estate most. While the nobles do get taxed, it is better that they aren't so that they can properly maintain their lands and support the government.
DeleteWhile the Enlightenment may give you and your counterparts some understanding, you should remember that some Enlightenment thinkers aren't qualified to operate a government successfully. And while some Enlightenment ideas wouldn't do so harm, most of this Enlightenment thinkers wouldn't do that much good. Thank you for voicing your opinion, because I agree that you and others need to be heard.
Thank you,
Queen Marie Antoinette/Hermela Shoarega
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DeleteAs your king, I highly disagree with your laughable statements. For one, you want to decrease my amount of power as the absolute ruler of France. You also want to change our current social structure so that you peasants do not have to pay as much to the government and have more power. To that I say that you as a peasant need to reconsider your beliefs towards our country's political, social, and economic systems. These popular Enlightenment ideas of individualism have only brought you toxic ideas that will eventually destroy our French society and politics if not contained. For example, it has given you absurd ideas that the country of France will survive without me at the head. However, this in itself is absolute ridiculous, because the country of France needs me. I have been chosen by God to lead this country and therefore the fact that you think that my wife and I can be controlled by mere peasants is utterly absurd. Also, I work incredibly hard to make your lives better. The times I hold lavish parties at my palace are because of stress worked up because of people like you! Besides this, you want to change the political structure so that you peasants have more power and less tax. However, you people have not paid enough tax to ease France’s financial burden and instead complain and slack off. Also, with your current behavior towards the monarchy, I can not trust you with more power. Therefore, I deeply disagree with your ideas for the future of France and advise you to quickly change your mind and all of your political ideas before I arrest you and guillotine you for treason and heresy against your God ordained ruler.
Delete- King Louis XVI/Jessica Wu
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DeleteAs Queen of France, I am well aware of the problems we are facing, therefore I can say that your discontentment towards our government and the feudal system is the reason why this country’s situation is getting worse. Knowing that you are a peasant, I find your assertions pointless and unreasonable. As you know, our country is in an extremely dire situation; our involvement in wars almost led us to near bankruptcy and famine is becoming rampant. I would appreciate it if you do your job as a peasant and continue working the land to provide food so that there will no longer be hunger. Up until now, the taxes that were collected from you and your fellow peasants strengthened our national treasury, paid for national expenditure, and served as the source for royal income. Without your contributions, our country is going to tear apart! Also, I would like to take this time to say that I have been very lucky to live such a comfortable life all thanks to your hard work. Please continue supporting our country by paying your taxes and tithes. I have done my fair share of ameliorating the financial situation of this country as I am limiting my own spending and letting go of my extravagant tastes. In the future, I hope to see the same efforts from peasants like you.
Delete--Queen Marie Antoinette/Zola Emile Sayson
Hello everyone, as a noble within France, I hope that some changes are made so France can be the best it an be. One of these changes that I think should happen in order to help France become the best it can be is, having the king and queen ask for our agreement before a decision is made. The king and queen should come to an agreement with us before a major decision is made because it allows different point of views from people with the same intentions as them. As nobles, we only want the best for France unlike the peasants or workers who may not even like France. Another change that I think should be made is that the bourgeoisie pay more taxes. With the bourgeoisie paying more taxes, more money will be given to the king and queen to make decisions with for the country. If both of my requests come true, I believe that our hope of France becoming the best will become true as well. There will be more money for the king and queen to work with for the country which is in great debt due to their decisions that could have been better with the agreement of the nobles.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the enlightenment ideas, as a noble, I agree with the fact that our government should not be a monarchy. Under a government that is ran by one ruler, the entire country has to hope for many things. They have to hope the the ruler does not have evil intentions, that the ruler is well educated, and that the ruler wants to do what is best for the country rather than themselves. However, this form of government could work if the main ruler is open to the ideas of others and has to come to an agreement with more people than just themselves. As of right now, our country is on pace of going bankrupt due to the poor decisions of the king and queen. There needs to be a change with the way that they go about these decisions whether we get a new and more educated king and queen or if the king and queen could come to an agreement with the nobles before making the major decisions for the country like I purposed earlier. Overall, I do agree with the intentions of the enlightenment but there are changes to the monarchy that could be made which can create a better country with a monarchal government.
-Noble/Alex Jung
To thou noble, as the King of France I beg to differ on your claims. Although I agree with your ideas upon the vicious peasants, I am to disagree on your view of my monarchy and my actions. As a citizen of France, it is your rightful duty to remain faithful to our nation, and that you must agree with every action I decide. Political policies for our land are to bear decisions only decided by myself, as I only rule in divine right. In spite of the fact of your idea that everyone shall get a vote, I believe that a better solution would arise if the nobles would continue to remain in political decisions. The administrators of France such as you and I should remain in these actions as we are the ones in economic control of the peasants. Yet I also must say that I take quite offense to your idea of change of monarchy. I have previously granted the privilege of not having to pay taxes to nobles as well as grants to top jobs within the government, and so I am to expect no wails from the second estate in the future.
Delete- King Louis XIV / Anne Janel Zapanta
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ReplyDeleteAs Queen, I'm very hated but I hope that soon the people of France will see me as their beloved queen once again. I do know that the people resent me for my expensive taste but, since the birth of my children, I have led a more quiet and conservative life. I also hope that these grave food shortages do not last long and affect the people too much. I hope the country becomes stronger, and it will with its newly formed alliance with Austria (which I'm very happy about it, seeing that is my native country). Louis assures me that the radical Enlightenment ideas of certain groups of thinkers will die down, and everything will be the same. Soon, we will overcome this obstacle and the people will be satisfied once again. I fear that Enlightenment ideas will take over France like a deadly plague, poisoning people to think wrongly of me and my family. I'm worried that Enlightenment ideas will cause harm and chaos, that people will riot in the streets.
ReplyDeleteI want to see that the Enlightenment ideas and thinkers change, as their too aggressive to the crown and are too radical for the people and kingdom of France. I don't like the Enlightenment has made the people hate the crown, hate me even more than they did before. the Enlightenment is simply the hateful ideas of a group of people who have a bone to pick with me or Louis. I also want to that there is better change in taxes, and a better crop season. I don't what the taxation system to change though, because nobles and lords are what support the crown. If they were taxed that means they wouldn't be able to properly maintain their property and the peasant population
Queen Marie Antoinette/Hermela Shoarega
To Her Most Christian Majesty,
DeleteAs a clergyman, I can completely agree with your views on the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment is truly a disease, one that threatens all of us. The fact that it has caused more aggression against the royal family itself shows how it is such a pervasive influence to our society. And this rebellion against authority shall only grow worse if we give quarter to the Enlightenment. Indeed, I believe that following Enlightenment ideas can and will destroy our country and ensure its descent into anarchy. To preserve the French nation, I wish to propose to you to give more power to the clergy to allow us to stop the spread of Enlightenment ideas and ban those treacherous books with their rebellious ways. By doing this, we can promote Christian values and keep the stability of France as it has been for centuries. Thank you for listening to the words of a humble priest.
-Clergy/Alex Wong
To all denizens of France, from the down-trodden peasants to the King himself, I hope to show the light of God in these troubling times. My hope as a priest is to see the peasants of France with better qualities of life, the instillment of more Christian values, and the stability of France. Stability is perhaps the most important of these things, as violent revolutions never end well for anyone involved. In addition, greater stability makes for a happier populace and takes away much of the unrest that threatens to destroy French society. To do this, we must reach a compromise between the first, second and third estates. Since priests already fund the crown and give to the poor, I believe that the church should take a more active role in paying for government projects and giving back to those in need (remember that the Church is responsible for most of the charity given to peasants in times of troubles). We should also expand the number of schools. As of now, much of the populace is uneducated and while most schools are run by the Church we are unable to get enough funds to create more schools. By giving more quality Christian educations to the people, we can begin to create more equality amongst the populace and give the people an even footing in comparison to nobles. To do this, the state should force nobles to give more tithe to the Church, and create more state sponsorship of Church projects such as the aforementioned creation of more schools.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Enlightenment ideas are NOT the way to save France. Indeed, Enlightenment ideas must be avoided at all costs. These so called moral philosophies actually seek to destroy our moral order as we know it! By condemning the Church and by extension God himself, we risk not only His wrath but also risk the creation of more disorder throughout France! We have seen a stirring in rebel movements, and this is due to our failure to suppress the corruptive Enlightenment. If we fail in our task to destroy this new Enlightenment, we could end up facing instability on the same scale as the terrible Protestant schism, and we all know how that ended with a 30 years’ war and much death on all sides. Do we want France to be in the same disastrous state as the Holy Roman Empire? I think not! Dangerous new ideas that go against the Church always ends in rebellion and death. Thus, instead of spreading more of these dangerous Enlightenment ideas we should promote more Christian values. We should also give the Church more power to repress any Enlightenment ideas by giving us more power over the banning of books. It is clear that to prevent another disaster like the Protestant Reformation, we MUST destroy any signs of the Enlightenment swiftly and thoroughly.
As a last statement, I have heard mumblings of some citizens saying that we should abolish the estate system completely and reinstate a new order where the people can have votes. However, what most do not realize is the careful balance of stability we have in France. Without a first estate, there could be no educated class helping to run the kingdom, or promote Christian values. Without a second estate, there would be no organized system to distribute funds to ensure the smooth running of the state, and to defend our great nation against foreigners like the hated English (who I would like to remind you, are Protestants that wish to destroy our great religion and replace it with heretical lies). We have foes surrounding us, such as England and Prussia. Even Austria could betray us at any time. At this point, in order to stay strong and united we must first and foremost have stability and this in turn is only possible with an estate system. Perhaps in the future if the people will support more Church created schools there can be enough educated people to switch to a new system, but we must remember that we are still reeling from our embarrassing defeat at the hands of the English and cannot handle such a swift change in the entire political system at this time.
Clergy/Alex Wong
As a hard working peasant during the French Revolution, I believe the large social gap between the first/second estate and the third estate is the problematic root of our problems. The people of the third estate are the only ones who receive these heavy tax laws, and anyone of any higher class is not expected to contribute to the economy, they only drained it. The unnecessary and increasingly burdensome taxes are affecting my ability to provide for my family. At the end of the day, after all these taxes that help support the higher estates, I am left with nothing to support my family with. I don’t have anymore money and grain while the nobility are living effortlessly with no worries about their next meal. As a hard working citizen in the French society, I believe the clergy and nobility should also pay taxes to lift some of the weight off our shoulder and contribute to our economy. It is unfair that I work just as hard as the nobility and all my work goes to fund their extravagant parties and wars.
ReplyDeleteI approve of the new Enlightenment ideas that have caused an intellectual movement throughout Europe and allowed me to realize my individual importance in the French society. Because of the Enlightenment movement in France, the third estate started to question France’s political structure because we realized how unfair we are being treated and how our individual concerns are important too. Yes, religion is important and we should always keep it in mind, but it should not be the only factor considered when running a society. New political structures should be formed where the government is serving us and protecting our rights. I believe that since the third estate is the majority and we are the ones paying taxes to support France, we deserve a voice in the French government. There would be less conflicts between the peasants and upper class if our voice was heard and if action was being taken. We wouldn’t have anything to fight over if we received the attention and awareness that we are seeking.
- peasants, urban workers / Ella Chung
As a nobleman of France, I agree with your views on the Enlightenment ideas as I do believe they have caused an intellectual movement to occur in France. The Enlightenment stresses the value of learning, of the importance of having a comprehensive role and a good education system in our society. I believe that education for all, including peasants and urban workers in the Third Estate, will greatly benefit our nation and limit the authority that the king and the government have over us. Reason and knowledge through an analytical process will free humans from ignorance and lead us and France to freedom and the truth. The power of reason is needed to overcome the corrupted political system and caused a social and political reform to occur. Religion is a big part of our everyday lives but shouldn’t necessarily be the only factor to consider when ruling a state for it can cloud our judgment. I do agree with you that since the majority of France are peasants and urban workers, the people in the Third Estate deserved to have some influence in political matters, but allowing all citizens in the Third Estate to have the right to vote is an outrageous idea. It will not help solve conflicts as you say but further complicated everything. With so many people involved, power struggles will occur and the three estates will fight over the passing of certain laws and rules. Voting should only be done by people with high social status to provided to ensure stability in France.
Delete- Noble/ Ya Xuan Ke
As the Queen of France I agree that the citizens should be thought of. It is important to realize that the citizens of France should be given the resources they need to live good lives, but I also think that a large problem in our community is the violence the citizens of France bring, not the nobles themselves. The nobles/monarchy never started violence. The third estate was the one to do that, and for that reason, they should take responsibility for some of their own downfall. And yes the Enlightenment was helpful in defining individuality for the general population, but the Enlightenment also caused violence. As far as taxes are concerned, I think it is the duty of the civilians of France to realize that they are helping their country prosper by paying those taxes. I agree that nobles should not abuse their power — I also took a step back from spending because I realized this — but the First and Second estates are not the only one's at fault.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAs a nobleman of our great country I have to strongly disagree with your statements. For one, the enlightenment brings up false ideals that will only lead to more discourse and the collapse of our empire. You all already know what there is to know about life and the Enlightenment will only put a burden on you and the economy, schooling for all our peasants will drive us deeper into economic debt. With the enlightenment will come more false ideas into your heads, we work hard for you, and your role in society is to keep this nation supplied and stable, you all are important you dont need this Enlightenment, it will only bring our tradition harm. As for the case of a peasant voice in the government, you already do, we have the three estates for a reason, more voice in the government would throw the government off balance which could lead in a collapse. How can we be the problem if we are such a small percent? The fault lies in the peasants, who are obviously being treated too well, to think they have the audacity to claim the clergy and the nobles are the problems.
DeleteNoble/Iago Lashua
As a proud noble of France, I wish for France to prosper under a new state, one that supports Enlightenment ideas. I believe that under a new rule, France will achieve liberty, equality, and fraternity. We, the nobleman of France, want to achieve freedom from oppression by the state and government. Several of my brothers were imprisoned due to the Ancien Regime or direct orders from the king that allowed them to imprison individuals without trial and as a citizen of France, I wished for that to change. We want the citizens in the Third Estates to earn honorable wages and work fewer hours because we feel that it is unfair for them to work so hard and to earn so little. However, I do not support voting rights for all because I believed that is a privilege reserved for only higher classes, like the nobles and I who owned land and property. Lastly, we want the citizens of France to come together and united under a common power. For I believe that we are stronger together than apart.
ReplyDeleteUnder a new reign, I believed that many of my fellow noblemen will able to become businessmen and capitalist, expanding their interests by investing their resources in commerce, trade, and new companies. This will cause a change to occur in the economy and allow for economic prosperity. It will also help reduce the debt of our nation. Our main source of income is land and territories. Wealthier nobles owned large estates in which they could rent to the peasants and farmers in the Third Estate and are used for agriculture production. Nobles, such as I, also received certain privileges, like exemption from taxes, and I speak for myself when I said would like that to continue to be exempted from taxes and I would like for the new political structure to protect my right to have property. Even though I do not pay taxes, I feel that I am still contributing to the commonwealth of France in my own ways by taxing the peasants and workers on my land.
- noble/ Ya Xuan Ke
Dear Noble,
DeleteAlthough you do bring up points I agree with, such as supporting Enlightenment ideas and creating liberty and equality, I do not agree with your specific proposals. For the commonwealth of France to be equal, peasants like me should be able to have a vote in society. Our Third Estate composes of a large part of the French society, far more than nobles, so it is only reasonable that our voice is heard. The purpose of the Enlightenment is to limit powers of the aristocracy as well as the clergy, so claiming that you will incorporate Enlightenment ideas but not adhere to them is unjust. Head voting would be a good way for the Third Estate to be represented, because unlike your statement, it is important that each class is represented, not just the higher classes. We work just as hard, if not harder, than the First and Second Estates. Even if head tax is not implemented, a good compromise would be counting each Estate as one vote. Speaking of taxes, I disagree with your statement that the nobles should remain tax exempt. Squeezing taxes out of us and robbing us of our wages is not contributing to the commonwealth of France, but is making it worse by leading us to famine and poverty. We do not have the income to support the royalty in France, unlike the upper two estates, who should begin to contribute to taxes, for the betterment of the empire.
- Peasant and Urban Worker/Lydia Costantian
Dear fellow noble,
DeleteI agree with the wish for the continuity of voting rights. I believe that voting in this country should only be limited to the people who have power and people of the higher classes. I also agree that under a new rule we will achieve equality and fraternity. I believe that we as nobles should also have the right to the jobs that we have and should have a steady income as well. The nobles who are not equal in which some nobles are very very rich and some of us who are barely surviving should have equality in our country. I also agree with the change of economy. i believe by changing our economy, our country will be brought out of bankruptcy and our finances will be figured out better as well.
-Noble/Sarah Kim
As the king of our godly nation, I wish good and only good for the economic prosperity of France. During my reign, I hope to increase the first estate’s power and to heavily control the peasant class. These actions will lead to the continuation of our great nation, as it will ensure us financially for decades to come. By shifting more power towards the first estate, more power goes to moi. I also hope to control our peasant class, as their rebellions and upbringings are absolute nonsense. This so called “Enlightenment” over France is nothing but disastrous, as we are only meant to live by God’s will. I disagree highly with the peasants’ belief of individualism; these little to nothing peasants should do nothing but obey my rule. I shouldn’t have to be interrupted while throwing a grand party at my palace.
ReplyDeleteI will change these hardening times upon France by having more actions upon the rebellions of the peasants and their beliefs, and constrain the members of the third estate to pay their taxes. These peasants are situated in my nation, and it is only divine right for them to follow my commands. I will also increase the first estate’s power by keeping our previous benefits, such as having the church continue to not pay taxes. The church already gives great religious advice to the people, as well as food, moral guidance, and education that will influence the peasants to follow my command under God. And so, my commands to the people of my nation are to obey. These actions are to keep the economic prosperity of our nation, and for it to continue being great.
King Louis XVI - Anne Janel Zapanta
I respectfully disagree with the justification of your rule by church and religion. By rejecting Enlightenment ideas, not only are you rejecting changes to improve the corrupt political structure of France, you are limiting France’s ability to grow and prosper in intellectual discoveries. People who are limited to think only by the church are unable to think for themselves. The Enlightenment ideas encouraged European discoveries in science. New knowledge on nature and technology allowed for discoveries that helped improve productivity in many European societies. For example, the discoveries such as new guns and knowledge on nature and monsoon winds led by the Iberian peninsula motivated explorations. France could hold the same potential of leading revolutionary discoveries, but the people are restricted to thinking the way the church wants them to think. The Islamic empires have proven that neglecting the Enlightenment and Europeans may led to the unlikelihood of success because were “going backwards” and continued to be restricted by their religion and their intolerance of new ideas or cultures. As King, you should listen to what your people want and be tolerant of the ideas from the majority. You should do what is best for your state and consider the failures of past empires.
Delete- peasant, urban worker / Ella Chung
As part of the French nobility, my hopes for the future of France include a greater power being held by the nobility. We are the elites, the wealth and education of France; therefore, we deserve more political influence. For example, the King and Queen should turn to us to help make decisions directly concerning the well-being of France. The third estate, the peasants and bourgeoisie, do not deserve a similar amount of power as they are just workers living on the land of the wealthy, like me. Instead, they should receive higher taxes to help pay off the debt facing France. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for the nobility to pay a small tax to help further support the nation; however, most taxation should fall on the third estate. These are just a few of the changes that should be made to help France become stronger.
ReplyDeleteMy views on Enlightenment are positive, as the Enlightenment led directly to the fall of a limited monarchy and a change to the feudal monarchy that I very much approve of. Since nobles like me are given more opportunity, protection, and power this change was good for French nobles. One thing that needs to remain the stay for the prosperity of France is the social divisions between the first, second, and third estate. This is crucial because it keeps each class in line, with their duties being their main priority to support the economy. The economy needs to become stronger and more stable to rid France of the debt it is now in. The enlightenment movement will help create a new France that will hopefully see these changes to benefit nobles, like me, and the rest of the nation. Overall, both these changes and continuities should be instated considering their great benefits for France.
- Noble/Leah Larocco
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DeleteAs a Bourgeoisie, I have to respectfully disagree with you. The nobility has great power already. If anything their power should be restricted. We do deserve power, as we are the working class of France. You live off of our work, and therefor we should be entitled to a say in our government. The third estate cannot pay off the entire debt of France alone. A small tax on the first and second state is completely unreasonable. They should pay the same amount by percentage as the third nobility. The peasants cannot produce enough food to support the lavish lifestyle of the king and queen while also supporting the clergy, nobility, and their own families.
Delete-Bourgeoisie/Conrad Heil
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ReplyDeleteCitizen-representatives of the people.
ReplyDeleteMy hope is that France becomes one, united under a constitutional monarchy. One cannot have the power to make legislative decisions by their lonesome. I hope that all can get a say in their country and that the power doesn't fall in the hands of one individual. Voting should be based on head, not estate. France can declare itself successful when the ninety-five percent are not carrying the burden of taxation for the entirety of France.
The ideas of Enlightenment have ushered in a much needed change in our society. Enlightenment ideas are what is going to bring oder to this country and allow us to become prosperous and debt free. The rule of France cannot remain with one person. The clergy and nobility's benefits should be restricted and taxes must be imposed upon them. The lavish spending and lifestyle of the king and queen must also be restricted. We can never let a "Diamond Necklace Affair" to happen again. These key points of enlightenment would greatly improve France, lessening the burden of debt on the majority, and only have a minor affect on the first and second estate. We need to have a working class that can support their country while also providing for their families. It is vital that these changes be made in order to remove the debt of France. I think that it is important to keep one person to represent all of France when it comes to imperialism, while keeping checks to their power.
-Bourgeoisie/Conrad Heil
Dear citizen of France,
DeleteThank you for understanding the dire threat of the possibility of dictatorship in the French lands. As you said in the beginning of your first paragraph, "the power doesn't fall in the hands of one individual." The time for this system of absolute monarchy is over, because the people who need power, must receive. However, I would have to disagree with your belief on every individual voting to give a say. The idea of a lowly janitor on how to run such a large and magnificent empire is not at all what is desired for this country. Yes, we do need more power in the people, but for the people who can use this power accordingly. The rich, who can use their wealth for progress, and the lords to influence the king and take information and resources from the peasants to be productive. Without the assistance of the bourgeoisie, it is true that our nation would not be as formidable as it is. However, the power must truly rest with the lords in a conjoined parliament under a constitution in order to make France successful.
-Noble/Ryan Lockhart
I do agree that we need to change our absolute monarchy, but, speaking from a noble's perspective, do you really think that the citizens of the third estate are qualified and well versed in political affairs to be voting on for what is best for France? You are all but workers and simple farmers. How do you know what is best for our nation politically? Voting by head will also all but eliminate the voice of the first and second estate. We can't allow the fate of our country to be placed in the hands of field workers. This is the way things have always been, and the way that things should stay.
Delete- Noble/Maria Isaac
Cher mes concitoyens français,
ReplyDeleteAs one of your lords of magnificent France, I wish to keep it in such a manner: full of tradition, and without trouble. For France, I wish to see the continuity of this magnificent governmental system we have in place. The poor and misunderstood peasants require protection, and it is up to us, the strong and wealthy to provide it. But for us to spend such expenditure on so many people, it is only right for us to receive payment for this basic tribute. Why would we want to adopt such radical and detrimental ideas from the heretic barbarians who believe that everyone should fend for themselves in the so-called “Enlightenment?” It is simply a way to destroy this infallible system of life that our ancestors created to allow for such empires such as France to exist and thrive.
However, it is understandable to see the necessity for change. One weakness of our ancestors was investing so much power in one person without them having any limit. This has caused decades of corruption, hedonism, and countless other sinful activities to persist without punishment in some leaders of Europe. So, therefore, I ask of you to support my idea of doing such. We can no longer tolerate the power-usurpers of the throne and must create an assembly or parliament in order to bring the King and Queen down to the level of everyone else. Although I’d hate to admit it, our enemies of Britain, in the past, understood this threat and acted on it. Their parliament keeps their king in check while still giving a significant amount of power to the rich and powerful such as I.
Therefore, in order to let France thrive and become great, I repeat, we must divide up the power among the people who need to use it: the wealthy and those who can actually get something done. If we were to do this, lords such as I would be able to provide for the lowly peasants but also assist/monitor the royal court, in order to have everything go as smooth as butter.
Cordialement,
Noble/Ryan Lockhart
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ReplyDeleteAs King Louis XVI, my hopes for France are to create a successful state, which I am confident will occur, especially with me as the head of the French government. I also want to improve our financial situation and make us more powerful, politically and economically. However, recently, there have been ideas that have infiltrated our society and are extremely toxic. These ideas, know as “Enlightenment ideas” have caused division among our society, particularly in the peasant class. They believe that they can survive on their own. However, that could not be farther from the truth. In fact, the only way for our society to survive is with me guiding the people. Enlightenment ideas are practically pagan, as they support individualism rather than unity in politics and in society, which I have already ordained. Because it is challenging my divine rule as the King anointed by God himself, these Enlightenment ideas must then be demonic, and must be immediately eradicated in our society before causing further damage.
ReplyDeleteAlong with this change, I would also like to change our financial situation and my peoples’ obedience towards me. However, our social order at the moment runs smoothly and needs no changes. Our social order of the Three Estates is extremely organized and is very effective. Because it is so effective, I see no reason for it to change. Doing so would only cause chaos in our great French society. I would also want to keep the way I rule my country the same. As an absolute monarch, I have done an amazing job in securing alliances with the recently established United States of America, and I have also maintained peace in my land. Thus, because of my extraordinary ability to lead and the obvious positive results that it has reaped, there is no reason this to change.The only change I would possibly think about making, in terms of political power within the three estates, would be to decrease the power of the peasants, because they have been causing a large amount of trouble recently, partly due to Enlightenment ideas. All my people, regardless of social class, need to understand that the only way for our great country of France to succeed is if they listen to my reforms and orders, because I am spiritually guided in making those changes in government as the God ordained true king and master of France. This is why it is futile to fight against me, because God is on my side, and God supports all of my decisions. One other major change I would like to make is to make the Third Estate start pulling their own weight and thus solve our financial crisis. Currently, they have been slacking and are not trying to ease the financial burden our country, which is borderline treason. Therefore, they must work harder, because the other two estates of France have been working extremely hard in collecting the taxes and keeping their bellies full. In fact, even as the King, I do not have much personal time to have fun, and only throw parties in order to alleviate the stress when it becomes unbearable. Meanwhile, you people, you peasants, in the Third Estate leech off of my labor and have the audacity to slack off. Therefore, as your King, I am ordering you to work harder and help our country become the best that it can be, with me at the head.
- King Louis XVI/Jessica Wu
As the Queen of France and King Louis XVI's wife, I agree to your opinion on the Enlightenment. The idea of Enlightenment could definitely led to a corruption and chaos in our society because of the different opinions in ideas and disagreement on certain topic. Although I think the Enlightenment could bring some benefits in the society such as improvement or invention of different technology, have a better spread of religion, and promote a more efficient government, there could also be many argumentment along the way. As the Queen of France, I definitely do not wish to see any fights within the country and hope for all my citizens and family to live a happy and peaceful life Therefore, with the development of Enlightenment, I hope it can brings benefits to the nation of France and there will be no chaos.
DeleteAs Queen of France, I hope that my country's people no longer starve and start living better lives without feeling overwhelmed by a heavy tax burden. I hate seeing the country that my dearest husband has dedicated himself wholly to fall into debt. The uprisings that are happening outside of the palace have truly changed my perspective to the point where I knew I had to change my lifestyle. As you can tell by the efforts I made to reduce my own spending, the dissatisfaction of the masses is really affecting me. I hope that my efforts change the public's opinions about me because I am no longer “Madame Deficit” as they like to call me. I don’t have the same extravagant taste as I used to have and I was even able to clear my room of any fineries. I also withdrew myself from parties and socializing and started devoting all my time to my children.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I try to sympathize with the masses and the Third Estate, I am merely the queen-consort of this country’s King. I do think that the Enlightenment ideas are getting out of control, but only the King can put an end to these troubles. I must not meddle in politics nor involve myself in political affairs. I leave it all to my husband who has done so much for this country, and I trust that he will make the right decisions. I can only support him in the plans he make to put an end to the Enlightenment ideas. People have already tried to hold me responsible for France’s bankruptcy, so I cannot involve myself even more and be held responsible for any future problems. I will support my husband in his reforms, however I ask that we must keep the social division between the aristocracy and the rest of society because our country still has a lot of debt to pay which we can only pay back by taxing the lower classes.
-Queen Marie Antoinette/Zola Emile Sayson
Your Highness,
DeleteI am very appreciative to hear about your efforts to fix your lifestyle. By eliminating your previous lifestyle, you are helping to not add to the country’s debt, which will eventually help to decrease the amount of taxes that we, as a country, would have to pay. I find it extremely unfair and contradicting that you wish for fewer burdens to be put on your citizens, but you still support taxing the lower classes. Our country still has many debts even without your future spendings, so we still have to face famine and heavy labor. I also cannot agree and support your trust in your husband and your cowardly ways to avoid including yourself in politics. It is obvious that you wish for the betterment of your citizens, but if you do not produce this to the King, nothing will change. In addition, we are opposed to the King because he does nothing but oppress us further by taxing us for economic debts that he primarily caused. I also believe that enlightenment will help fix our country because it follows the idea that all people are equal. If we follow this, our country can become united again because no one will be oppressed and the unfairness will be eliminated. Until you have changed your mind about how you will do the best for our country and its citizens, I will not support you.
-Bourgeoisie/Gabi Franco
Hello to all! I am a peasant, one of the classes that should have the biggest voice since we are the biggest class. Yes, I love our country dearly, but I can tell the leaders for peasants as a whole that we are tired of doing all the hard work and receiving very little in return. This applies to almost everything, from food, to taxes, benefits and rights as French citizens, and even our own homes! We simply believe that we need to make adjustments in this system. I say this because I do like our government; I just believe we need to make some changes. For example, I like that I am given a safe place to live in return of producing food and working for my lord. As a peasant though, I am given very little in return. On some days I don’t even have any food to eat and starve. As peasants, we are also aware that we pay the most taxes, when we are the ones having the lowest incomes. I hope that our voices can be heard and change these things; because I would not like to cause chaos to us and the government of France. As for the Enlightenment though, that is something I believe has caused good for all. The Enlightenment favored our beliefs in more freedom, beliefs, equality, and limited monarchy. This way,the third estate can have a voice being heard in times like these.
ReplyDelete-Peasant/Nicole Colin
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy hope for France is prosperity. I no longer wish to see France succumb to violence and war. I hope that France will be united and that the people of France will come together to support the country in every way they are able to including economically. I want to see France succeed. Enlightenment ideas have only strengthened the hatred and distrust that goes on between citizens, and I don't think that is something to be excited over. If the Enlightenment was to instead focus on individual intelligence rather than the distrust of the monarchy, I would support it. Individuality should be prized instead of obsessing over violence.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, I wish for France to become more peaceful. I do not want to see the people of my country turn on each other anymore. No matter status, every citizen of France is turning on the other. Civilians of the same country should not treat each other that way. I want the bloodshed to stop. I also wish for people to no longer view me as an enemy. Many civilians of France see me as a money-loving whore and that is not the case. The claims people hold against me are not true. The common misconception that I couldn't withhold my duty of providing my country with an heir is simply not true. I always wanted children. And the paranoid claims that I am a traitor is also false. I am not here to scheme against the beautiful country of France. I am here in an attempt to help France prosper along with my husband. However, even though I am with the citizens and I hope for them to live good, peaceful, fulfilled lives, I also believe that the royal family should maintain their rule. Civil outbursts have only led to violence, so the monarchy should stay intact to limit further bloodshed.
— Marie Antoinette // Paris Saint-Marc
Dear fellow nobles, Bourgeoisie, Clergy, and peasants, I am Queen Marie Antoinette and I’m speaking here today about my hope for France which will be continue to have a strong economic and social nation where I can continue my fashion trend and enjoy these wonderful parties. I also hope for a peaceful life where I have the ability to do whatever I want and live happily with my family. In my opinion, the Enlightenment ideas is definitely a huge step up for our nation. As the Queen of France, I think the Enlightenment’s ideas have a huge benefits for our nation’s religion, culture, and social aspects such as improving political and economic ideas, increase the spread of religion, and promote more ideas for theories and technologies. Through the Enlightenment, I believe our nation will become stronger and have more power.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the ideas of Enlightenment bring a lot of benefits to France, I’m worry that the amount of disagreement in different ideas would lead to chaos in the society and I wish this could change in people sharing different ideas. I don’t wish to see the whole nation in corrupting and terror because of fights caused by disagreements in the Enlightenment. I hope that France can continue to stay in a high economic, political, and peaceful nation where we can do what we like to do everyday such as talking with other noble ladies, wearing pretty jewelries, and continuing my fashion trend. What I wish to keep the same is our social and political status. Although I’m not involved in many politics but I feel that we have a pretty sustainable politics through the abilities we have in government and towards other nations. Along with our social status, all of the nobles lived happily with wealthy life and as for the peasants, I think as long as us upper classmates are still wealthy, they would have a efficient life as well. Overall, I think our nation is in a good state right now, not much change is needed for the country.
Queen Marie Antoinette/Patricia Song
Queen Marie Antoinette I couldn't agree more with you as the Enlightenment could possibly end in chaos for our country and send us into a terrible state. However I agree that not change is needed for our country we are living well and we are unified and at peace there is no fighting and the only thing that could throw this out of balance would be these reformers of the Enlightenment. I can agree our nation is doing well and although the Enlightenment offers good ideas we can use some of them may not be useful but harmful which then brings me to the reason to agree that since we are living good and happy then why do we need a change.. we don't.
DeleteNoble/Alex Kiss
Hello there friends, enemies, and acquaintances. Personally I like the France that all of us nobles, kings and leaders have made it out to be. We are living great always attending these parties and getting nice clothes. More importantly we are eating well from the food that is produced on our land. We can almost do whatever we want as long as we are happy and paying out attention to the king. However, we are in economic distress and losing money day in and day out and need a solution to solve this matter before out country goes bankrupt. Even though I am living well I am not that concerned for what is going on as long as we are doing good then I am fine but some things are troubling for our country, such as the Enlightenment.
ReplyDeleteAs some of you may know the enlightenment is on the rise in our country and is often concerning in our case. These people are coming with ideas that may or may not benefit the country but in the end they are causing disagreement among most people and are making some of the population uneasy. With this they are making our peasants angry with us as we are trying to find a solution and causing fights and distrust in our government eventually leading to an uprise. Personally I do not like the ideas of the enlightenment as it could send our country down the drain with these radical ideas. An idea I propose is to start taxing the peasants more which then could in the long run pay for our financial debt and fix our economy. I say we would only need the change if really necessary but overall I feel no need to change we are living good up here.
Noble/Alex Kiss
Dear noble, As a member of the clergy, I both partly agree and disagree with your statement. I do agree that this Enlightenment epidemic could prove disastrous for the French state, mainly because it undermines Catholic teachings straight from god himself. This combined, with the fact that the order and structure the clergy provides as political advisors to the king and carries out other function of the state like marriages and baptisms, would paint a scary picture of traditional beliefs weren't maintained. Even the divine right that the king claims would be destroyed. I disagree with taxing peasants more. I think that they are already beaten to a pulp, and even as of now they don't devote enough time to God because they are too busy trying to put food on the table. No, the better idea is to tax your estate, the second estate, who already has too many worldly things, which also undermines God's teachings. This would ease the pain of the peasants, and your estate would even be spiritually gaining, because more time could be devoted to God.
DeleteClergy/Will McColl
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ReplyDeleteHello my fellow French citizens, clergy, peasants, kings, and alike nobles. My greatest hope for France is that we remain a strong, powerful, and wealthy nation, and that we continue in our old traditions. My hope is that our lifestyles improve and become better and more filled with parties and fine food and drink. I wish for the good health of the peasants as long as they give their fair share and I wish for the king to live a long and prosperous life. I am not concerned for the future of France because judging by my life everything seems to be going extirodinaringly well. The future of France is strong unless we fall to these lies, and idiotic ideals of other nations who are far inferior to our own, these new ideals of Enlightenment are nothing but needy philosophers trying to put their names in the history books, and preach that we have liberty and tolerance.
ReplyDeleteThis is all obviously nonsense spewed by the less educated and ill mannered civilizations. We should not implement these ideals for it will be the fall of France if they ever do come into play. France has given me and my family the perfect life and I would not change anything, except for more food on my plate and a great life to my future generations, and especially to never let these outrages claims of enlightenment grow into anything more than what they are, rubbish. Nothing is wrong with the way things are, the peasants love to work just like their fathers before them, they work for me and in return they get food and some protection, I dont see a problem with that, nothing should change.
Noble/Iago Lashua
Dear noble, I full heartily agree with your views of the enlightenment. All these philosophers are ruining our great nation's traditions. It makes me glad to see the people of France still have hope. I also believe that France must grow to have more fine food and drink in its lavish and oh so entertaining parties. France must continue its traditions and just like you, noble, I believe there is nothing wrong with the government of France.
DeleteQueen Marie Antoinette/Alejandro Rios
People of France, I hope that our great nations can come back from the current economic deficit. This will take much work. The three estates must work together to help their nations, while also allowing the government to continue its great work. It is important that we get aid from the other estates, and hear their voices. However it is just as important that France continues its traditional autocratic monarchy. The key hear is for taxes to be paid and that the estates support their government in this time of need.
ReplyDeleteThe enlightenment has pros and cons for France. While it brings around change and advancement in art, it also bring radical ideas that challenge with France's traditional monarchy and rule. Liberty and freedom must fall behind order in France. Through these tough times of radical change, and a weak point in our nation it is important that we all come together to work. King Louis XVI has even appointed an economic advisory of a lower estate to give you, the people, a voice and to see if a different mind can solve our great nations small problem. Thank you to all of the people of France, may the nation prosper.
Sorry this one was not finished, the following one is correct.
DeletePeople of France, I hope that our great nations can come back from the current economic deficit. This will take much work. The three estates must work together to help their nations, while also allowing the government to continue its great work. It is important that we get aid from the other estates, and hear their voices. However it is just as important that France continues its traditional autocratic monarchy. The key hear is for taxes to be paid and that the estates support their government in this time of need.
ReplyDeleteThe enlightenment has pros and cons for France. While it brings around change and advancement in art, it also bring radical ideas that challenge with France's traditional monarchy and rule. Liberty and freedom must fall behind order in France. Through these tough times of radical change, and a weak point in our nation it is important that we all come together to work. King Louis XVI has even appointed an economic advisory of a lower estate to give you, the people, a voice and to see if a different mind can solve our great nations small problem. Thank you to all of the people of France, may the nation prosper.
Queen Marie Antoinette/Alejandro Rios
My Dear Queen Marie Antoinette,
DeleteI respectfully disagree with your statements in regards to maintaining an autocratic monarchy within France. It is this autocratic monarchy that is ruining stability and equality among our nation and even within the branches of the three estates. I feel like as an administrative leader, you should pay more attention to the inequality that lavish overspending of powerful administrative leaders such as yourself is causing on the peasant class. It is under this monarchy that you spend the bread needed for the children of god to survive in one day. Inclusively, you should understand the inequality which occurs within the three estates that you are supporting. Even among the first estate of the clergy there is serious overspending by bishops and cardinals which leaves priests such as me lacking of our well deserved pay. In regards to the enlightenment, I am very astonished as to how you could even consider the the enlightenment has pros. You state that it brings the advance of art, but at what cost? In case you haven’t noticed, enlightenment is destroying the unification under the word of God that the church has worked so hard to create. These works of art and writings are corrupt and completely go against the morals and values that the clergy had worked so hard to instill among our people. Therefore when you face rebellions because through your promotion of enlightenment you destroyed peace, don’t be surprised.
- Clergy member/ Alexa Partida
As a noble representing France, my hope is fro France to prosper and escape the financial state that we are currently in. My solution to our financial deficit is to raise the taxes on our third state since a majority of our population resides in the third state. This proves to reason that there shouldn’t be a problem in continuing to tax the largest group from the population of France. Plus, the people should be willing to give up a portion of their earnings to the country that they hold dear in their hearts. The people are the key to saving the great nation of France from this financial crisis. Recently, there has been talk of the Enlightenment ideas and concepts. I believe that any incorporation of these ideologies into French society would severely disrupt the current way of life and the peace that we have developed since the start of our great nation. Three social levels- that’s the way it has always been and the way it should be. Members of our society such as the peasants aren’t qualified to do more than what they currently are. Giving them the opportunity to would only cause chaos.
ReplyDeleteChanges must be made in order to save our nation. We need to tax our working class at a higher level since this is the only way I myself as a noble can make an income and how we can fight our financial troubles. Though I do respect King Louis, we cannot continue to live in a country ruled through absolute monarchy. We need to come together to decide the fate of France, not leave everything up to one man. There are various things that should stay the same despite my previous statement. First off, I believe that if voting was done by head, then there is no real representation of the first two estates. Plus, the third estate isn’t well versed in what is best for France and politics since they are but simple peasants and farmers. The first two estates also don’t need to be taxed. We are prospering and living wonderfully by relying on our cherished third estate. There is no reason to change our way of life when there is simply no problem with it, and we are living contently.
- Noble/Maria Isaac
Raising taxes on the third estate more than they are already raised is morally wrong in so many ways. The third estate feeds your lifestyle with their tax dollars, it's not our fault that the king decided to spend 2,000 million of our money to help the Americans with their revolution. The third estate doesn't earn enough money to support you, the clergy, and the monarchs, and much less themselves. So why would a higher tax be the solution? it would just create more poverty for you to fix. As part of the third estate, i can say that we are well versed in what is good for france because we are 97 percent of it. We ARE France.
Delete-Bourgeoisie/Ariana Espin
As a noble in the second estate, I have many hopes for my country France. Accordingly, with the enlightenment ideas, I hope that the reign in France will be changed and the government system will be changed. The absolutism and royal bureaucracy in France must be stopped and be changed for the better good of the people and us the nobles as well. I believe that the ruler should want the good for the peoples and not of themselves. They should do what's best for the country and be educated in the ways of ruling a country. By changing the ruler, I hope that the bankruptcy that we have will be resolved and by the correct maintenance of finances of the country will be ordered properly.
ReplyDeleteNot only do I think the government should be changed but also the treatment of the nobles. Many of the nobles may be very rich and even the richest people in France, however many of us are also barely surviving without proper clothes and riches to show up to the king. Many of the jobs that have been reserved for us has been given to the middle class. I wish that the jobs that we have worked and studied for would return back to us and that we would gain at least little financial income. However, the right to votes should stay continuous in our society. I believe that the right to vote should come from people who have intellectual and financial power. The people such as the nobles, royals, and the clergies should have the right to vote.
Noble/Sarah Kim
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ReplyDeleteDear my fellow french,
ReplyDeleteI, a noble, am frustrated with the old ideals of France just as many others. It’s time for a change the first estate has too much power. They took people less qualified to fill positions reserved for people of the second estate. Not to mention they keep as much wealth to themselves as possible drawing up copious amounts of debt leaving everyone in the country to pay the price. They try to blind us and offer potential short lived entertainments to keep us a bay and them in power doing nothing for our country. I believe that by relieving the position of King and absolutism as a whole our country would be much better off. The people working on my land deserve better than they are getting. I do my best to help them out in whatever way I can, though with things getting worse, I feel the sting as well.
I feel it is best more of the noble class is implemented to the military. We have seen the problems of France first hand, and have experienced the functions of military and political rolls more often than those in the third estate. Furthermore, the tax money taken from the third estate would be given directly to the debt the first estate had created while the while the nobles, who, I believe, should remain tax free, will help with keeping money in Frances economy in order to help stabilize the economy. With these changes, I am in full belief that radical changes and reforms to France for the better will come to all of the French. With this, I say bring on the revolution.
Noble/Brielle Lucero
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ReplyDeleteDear fellow Frenchmen, brothers and sisters. As a member of the clergy, my hope for France is that it maintains a French state that at its core is centered around Christian/Catholic values, and that it develops as an economically prosperous nation to fuel the Catholic agenda. In regards to the first point, the continuation of the Catholic education championed by the clergy allows a real purpose by God to live a moral and fulfilling life, free from the rumors of revolutions. Catholicism is already such a crucial part of the French state, meaning that the religion’s well being is essential to France’s well being. For example, the divine right that the noble king claims provides order and structure. The citizens follow because it is the way of God. I know firsthand as a political advisor to the king along with my other clergy members that Catholicism is fundamentally ingrained in the system, for why would I be placed in such an important political role? This must remain the same, because the clergy provides advice that is in the very best interest of the king to further religious pursuits. Baptisms, marriages, and funerals are all conducted by the clergy. Without these roles the state would be left in chaos. In regards to the second point, some common ground must be reached between the estates to ensure economic prosperity. The overwhelming hunger that is amidst the poor third estate requires immediate attention. Something must be done, or it will continue to get worse. The nobles, especially, considering they possess the most worldly possessions, must start paying taxes to help the brothers in the countryside. This abandonment is good both ways, because the nobles will be less enthralled with items and more involved in Catholicism, furthering order. Because of how important religion is to the well-being of the state, the clergy must remain tax-free. These new taxes will allow more food to be produced, allowing the third estate to focus on God over putting food on the table.
ReplyDeleteOne thing is certain, however, the Enlightenment ideas must stay away from the French state. This ridiculous scientific theories will certainly destroy the French state. You see, these ideas undermine God and his control over the world. These crazy explanations detract from his presence and lure others into the trap of false belief. Not only this, but Enlightenment ideas contradict the superior theological aspects of the Catholic Church. If people start turning towards scientific nonsense, how long will it take for Catholicism to be abolished. The order and structure that the first estate, the clergy, provides would be significantly undermined. To shy away from this turn more Catholic education should be established to show French citizens where the real answers lie, in God and all that he reveals. More power should be given to the clergy to ensure that these blasphemous beliefs do not destroy the very core of the French state, Catholicism. Efforts should be focused on properly educating the public and feeding the hungry, as God would want it. Even more support can be garnered from these taxes from the third estate, the majority of the French population. Finally, these ideas contradict God, possibly creating a terrible demise for all of those who fail to believe.
Clergy/Will McColl
Dear people of france,meaning the third estate, have no fear, Bourgeoisie is here. My hope for france is for every person within the country to have a voice. Now, the vast majority of the people who live among us are starving and it is all because of a child king, who can’t even have one as his own. My hope for France is that the nobles and clergy will pay their fair share in taxes, just as we commoners do.
ReplyDeleteFrom the enlightenment, we have been taught that all men are created equal. Even those who have more than us, we are all equal because our life all has the same value even though some may have more impact, the impact is there. We have also been taught to not believe everything that we see and hear. I bring this up only to prove one thing, we all need to open our eyes and see fully how our own government is betraying us. We are being ruled by a selfish monarchy that feeds on the poor, and this must come to an end.
The things that i want to see change is how the poor are neglected. They don't get food or even supplies for making food without spending their wages of 2 months. I want the other 3% of french people take responsibility for what they have done to the other 97% by spending their wages just as we have been. On taxes to support our government. What I want to continue? Well I want the people’s rage to keep on growing so that we can all come together and force our hand upon the first and second estate. I want their rage to grow so that we can come together and revolutionize france and take what is ours. Vive la révolucion!
-Bourgeoisie/Ariana Espin
Dear citizens-of-France and respectable children of god,
ReplyDeleteas a member of the clergy I am simply baffled by the incompetence of our government to equally support all citizens. As a curé (parish priest) even I can testify that within the first estate there is social inequality and that people are taking advantage of power. Higher members of the clergy disrespect lower members like me by giving us poor pay despite our hard work to serve the people of our parish. Despite forming part of the first estate, our three estate system has proven to fail the people of our nation especially our peasants. I find it necessary for their to be supervision in church decision making since many upper members of clergy lavishly overspend the money of the peasants in things such as buying their noble titles. I also find that we should consider revising the idea of exempting the church from taxes since most of the money received is being lavishly overspent by higher clergy members such as bishops, archbishops, and cardinals. I support the summoning of the Estates general in order to produce modifications in our three estate system and promote greater democracy. I also support the ideas of the National Assembly in order to create change in the financial and administrative of France where power and money is more evenly distributed. I agree with the idea of reducing the amount of bishops and having them be elected by the people. In this way we can make sure that the higher branches of the church do not become corrupt and overspend the money of our nation. I also feel like having the state pay the clergy's spendings would be a way to limit financial abuse from upper clergy branches.
However, there are definitely aspects of our administrative system in France that could help promote stability among the people and that should not change. I find that the word of god is the ultimate solution to equality and peace in our nation. We should continue to allow the church to publish writings and educate the children under god's word. Promoting the word of god and educating the youth of our nation will allow for a more united nation that does not revolt against each other. I find that the state should also allow the church to continue promoting charity and public work projects in order to help struggling peasants of our nation. Although I do agree that unfair distribution of power is a reason for the failure of our country to promote equality, one form of corruption that has begun to destroy our nation are enlightenment ideas. Enlightenment ideas question and corrupt the word of Jesus Christ our savior! It promotes people become distanced from the love and ideas of god and leads them into corrupt lives. The church’s job is to promote the word of god through education and charity in order to unify our nation. Yet, enlightenment ideas put a stop to the unification of our people under the word of god. Enlightenment ideas have already disrupted religious union in various countries with the Protestant Reformation; is that really what we want for our country? In order to put a stop to these enlightenment ideas the state should give the church power to punish people for promoting their enlightenment ideas especially through writings. Enlightenment grants permission for people to rebel against the peace of god and promotes rebellion within our nation (the last thing we need in these moments of troubles)! Therefore our government is in desperate need of administrative and financial reform, even within the clergy! The word of god is the one thing that must remain the same and should be spread among our nation to promote peace.
- Clergy Member (parish priest)/ Alexa Partida
Dear all citizens of France,
ReplyDeleteAs a peasant urban worker, my way of life is much different than those in the top 5% of our population. I work every day at a job that requires a tenuous amount of labor and I pay taxes that takes a big portion of my paycheck. None of which is the same for the King and Queen and their nobles and clergy, yet they are the only ones who have a voice in decisions that affect our whole country. My hopes for France are that there are better representation for the lower class and equality, specifically with taxes. This new wave of Enlightenment ideas positively affected my life in a form that led the rebellion against the King that gives us peasants a chance to accomplish our hopes for France.
This new opportunity for a constitutional monarchy makes me question what I would like to change and what should stay the same. Like I’ve said before, equality between classes is necessary to prevent another rebellion. I also want a government that shares power so that one person has an absolute dictatorship. Although many things are cause for a change, I hope that Enlightenment ideas continue along with sovereignty. With this, I hope that our country will be able to be prosperous once again.
-Peasant and Urban Worker/Karen Dominguez
Dear peasant,
DeleteAlthough the Enlightenment has clearly blinded you from your true knowledge and critical thinking skills, I can assure you that is correct we all as the French people should have an equal voice. That would only be a righteous form of success in our land.
Noble/Mickey
As a nobleman of the French, my solid hopes for France are for the people, including the first and second estates, to unite under the sole motive of the advancement of our land, through enduring prosperity and intelligible planning. For centuries, we the French have dominated the European continent with our divine forefathers transforming and influencing Western culture. Keeping this in mind, it is only reasonable for us to continue our resilient efforts of supremacy and keep peace, under all circumstances. Unfortunately, this has diminished and we have fallen short of our expectations. This needs to be recognized and resolved by all members of French society.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the Enlightenment, this is only a psychological ponzi scheme created by true traitors seeking the downfall of the pure. We shall however not fall for such a ridiculous movement, and rebuild France in the name of holy traditionalism. What should stay current in French society is the leadership and credibility of the higher estates, who could truly lead the French people in the right way. What should differentiate is the lack of listening from certain people in the higher estates, ignorance of the people and toxic understanding of all viewpoints. We are all brothers and sisters of the French fatherland, and we always will.
Noble/Mickey