Pressures from below: social divisions; problems with the regions; discontent and popular protests
Ordinary French people and regional communities pushed back against Louis XIV's rule through protests and resistance. War, taxation, and religious persecution made life harder and fuelled serious unrest across France.
Real World
The Camisard Revolt (1702–1710) saw Protestant peasants in the Cévennes region wage a guerrilla war against royal troops — a direct consequence of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes that tied down tens of thousands of French soldiers during the War of Spanish Succession.
Exam Focus
Use specific regional revolts as evidence; vague claims about 'popular discontent' without named examples will not access the highest mark bands.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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