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The '''Old Regime''' or '''Ancien Régime''' refers to the aristocratic social and political order of [[France]] between the 14th and 18th centuries under the [[Valois]] and [[Bourbon]] dynasties. It is the prevailing political and social model in place in France prior to the [[French Revolution]], and which was deliberately destroyed by the Revolution.

The '''Old Regime''' or '''Ancien Régime''' refers to the aristocratic social and political order of [[France]] between the 14th and 18th centuries under the [[Valois]] and [[Bourbon]] dynasties. It is the prevailing political and social model in place in France prior to the [[French Revolution]], and which was deliberately destroyed by the Revolution.

The Old Regime was characterized by a rigid class system that reflected a hierarchical [[feudal]] order, with a strong monarch, strong Catholic Church, and strong local nobility. The Church and the nobility owned nearly all the land and the peasant farmers had no say whatever.  The middle class intellectuals, lawyers and businessment had little political power.  

 

The Old Regime was characterized by a rigid class system that reflected a hierarchical [[feudal]] order, with a strong monarch, strong Catholic Church, and strong local nobility. The Church and the nobility owned nearly all the land and the peasant farmers had no say whatever.  The upper middle class (called the [[bourgeoisie]]) compsising intellectuals, lawyers and wealthy businessmen  had little political power.  

==Society and Population==

==Society and Population==

The Ancien Régime covered a territory of around 200,000 square miles in 1700, and supported 20 million people. At least 80% of the population were peasants.<ref>Pierre Goubert, ''The Ancien Regime'' (1973) pp. 2-9. There was no nationwide census before 1789 and therefore these figures are estimates. France lagged behind most of Europe in this regard; Spain and Sweden held censuses in 1717 and 1720 respectively</ref>

France in the Ancien Régime covered a territory of around 200,000 square miles, and supported 20 million people in 1700. At least 80% of the population were peasants.<ref>Pierre Goubert, ''The Ancien Regime'' (1973) pp. 2-9. There was no nationwide census before 1789 and therefore these figures are estimates. France lagged behind most of Europe in this regard; Spain and Sweden held censuses in 1717 and 1720 respectively.</ref>

France had the second largest population in Europe around 1700. Britain had five or six million, Spain had eight million, and the Austrian Habsburgs had around eight million. Russia was the most populated European country at the time. France's lead slowly faded after 1700, as other counbtries grew faster.  

France had the second largest population in Europe around 1700. Britain had five or six million, Spain had eight million, and the Austrian Habsburgs had around eight million. Russia was the most populated European country at the time. France's lead slowly faded after 1700, as other counbtries grew faster.  

==Military==

==Military==

The proud French army was controlled by the aristocracy, and most soldiers were peasant volunteers. There was not draft until the Revolution in 1798.  

The proud French army was controlled by the aristocracy, and most soldiers were peasant volunteers. There was no draft until the Revolution in 1798.  

==See also==

==See also==

[[Category:French Revoltuion]]

[[Category:French Revolution]]

[[category:French History]]

[[category:French History]]