1770s: France is a monarchy ruled by King Louis XVI, who holds absolute power. Throughout the eighteenth century, Enlightenment philosophers increasingly call for new governmental institutions.
Today: France is a republic headed by a president who is elected by popular vote to a seven year term.
1770s: Only about one-third of the population is literate, and the vast majority of those who can read are male. Outside the aristocratic and upper bourgeoisie classes, few women can read and write.
Today: France has a literacy rate of 99 percent.
1770s: French women lack the rights afforded to men. For instance, the father is the absolute authority of the family, and males usually supersede females in inheritance rights.
Today: Laws guarantee women political, economic, and.....
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