Economic problems and royal finance: attempts to improve royal finances under Turgot, Necker and Calonne
France was nearly bankrupt in the 1770s and 1780s. Three finance ministers — Turgot, Necker, and Calonne — each tried to fix the crisis, but powerful nobles blocked every serious reform.
Real World
Turgot's attempt to abolish the guilds and free the grain trade in 1776 was immediately reversed after noble outcry — just as austerity programmes today face street protests and political collapse before reforms take hold.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' why reforms failed, link each minister's specific proposal to the vested interest that blocked it.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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