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We all know that France was in serious fiscal trouble towards the end of the 18th century. It was also the case that their debt was actually lower than Britain's, but Britain had a much more effective state apparatus to raise revenue.

Questions for experts:

(1) What feasible changes could have happened for France to struggle on longer? For example, would getting another spice island at the end of the Seven Year's War change that much? What about avoiding getting involved in the ARW, or only spending half as much on it? What about a good reparations settlement or selling Louisiana earlier? Would these things be tinkering at the edges, or would they have made a major difference? How much longer would they have given to France's fiscal life before bankruptcy?

(2) What were the finances like of other major powers in this period. Particularly interested in Austria, Spain and Russia. Was their revenue raising apparatus more like France or Britain?

(3) What would be the implications of national bankruptcy if revolution was avoided?

Many thanks,

Socrates
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