Question

Which three causes led to the subsistence crisis in France during the Old Regime?

Answer 1

Hint: The Old Regime was the political and social system of the Kingdom of France. It continued from the late Middle Ages upto the French Revolution of 1789. The Old Regime saw the rule of Valois and Bourbon dynasties. The Old Regime also witnessed subsistence crisis because of population and other causes.

Complete answer:
Subsistence crisis was a big problem faced by the Old Regime. This refers to a situation in which the basic means of livelihood are in danger. The situation may be extreme one. Following are the three causes which led to this crisis.
1. There was a big rise in the population of France from 1715 to 1789. The rise in population resulted in the rise of demand for food grains. But it was not possible to meet the demand at once.
2. Labourers employed in workshops got fixed salaries. But their salary was not sufficient to meet the rise in prices of goods. They were unable to buy food.
3. Natural calamities also add worry. This was also true in case of France. Drought or hail reduced the production of crops. This resulted in the shortage of food. It could not meet the rising demand and there was a subsistence crisis.
No increase in income worsened the condition all the more.

Note:
The forest law known as the Blandongdiensten System was introduced by the Dutch in Java. But commercial necessity forced the Dutch authority to make amendments in laws. So, some villages were exempted from rent. Later, in place of rent exemption, villagers were given small wages.