If your were louis the 16th what would you do to advoid a major revolution?

Question

If your were louis the 16th what would you do to advoid a major revolution?

Answer 1

Stop pampering Marie Antoinette to the extent that the French economy declines because of ONE woman. Instead, save the funds, thus allowing bread prices to drop for the Third Estate. Also, tax the first, second, and third estates equally, instead of just the third. Distribute land equally among the estates, instead of having more land for the first and second estates, than the third estate, which held 97% of the population. Allow the third estate more than 1 vote, even though the first and second also had 1 each, because the third estate was so dramatically larger in population.

Answer 2

I would send Lafayette as the leader of a trade expedition to the United States, accompanied by merchants and numerous cargo ships.

Lafayette would have an "in" with the Washington administration. Washington reportedly felt a fatherly affection for the general he called "the boy". The plan would be to negotiate a purchase of wheat, in exchange for the forgiveness of the war debt, which had been assumed by the Federal government.

A large part of what started the trouble in the spring of '89 was the failure of the wheat crop the season before. The people were hungry, and the hunger underscored their dissatisfaction with the government in general.

Answer 3

Use the palace funds to help peasants buy food instead of wasting it on toys. Slow down on the extreme taxes. I would not give them more voice in the parliament (one of his worse mistakes). Take more money from the clergy as needed.