Changes

*see [[Old Regime]]

*see [[Old Regime]]

*see [[Louis XIV]]

*see [[Louis XIV]]

*see [[Lousi XV]]

*see [[Louis XV]]

France was one of the earliest countries in Europe to progress from feudalism to the nation-state. Its monarchs surrounded themselves with capable ministers, and French armies were among the most innovative, disciplined, and professional of their day. During the reign of [[Louis XIV]] (1643-1715), France was the dominant power in Europe. But overly ambitious projects and military campaigns of Louis and his successors led to chronic financial problems in the 18th Century.

France was one of the earliest countries in Europe to progress from feudalism to the nation-state. Its monarchs surrounded themselves with capable ministers, and French armies were among the most innovative, disciplined, and professional of their day. During the reign of [[Louis XIV]] (1643-1715), France was the dominant power in Europe. But overly ambitious projects and military campaigns of Louis and his successors led to chronic financial problems in the 18th Century.

===French Revolution===

===French Revolution===

* see [[French Revolution]]

* see [[French Revolution]]

*see [[Lousi XVI]]

*see [[Louis XVI]]

*see [[Napoleon Bonaparte]]

Deteriorating economic conditions and popular resentment against the complicated system of privileges granted the nobility and clerics were among the principal causes of the [[French Revolution]] (1789-99).

Deteriorating economic conditions and popular resentment against the complicated system of privileges granted the nobility and clerics were among the principal causes of the [[French Revolution]] (1789-99).