I have to write an essay (3500 words) on how the economic situation of France from the time of Louis XIV to 1789 contributed to the subsequent revolution. I have my notes on what happened in general during this time period but I'm not sure how I would structure an essay on the economic causes of the revolution. Can anyone help me out with some talking points or some books to consider? I've already been made aware of William Doyle and T.C.W Blanning etc and am trying to make my way through their work.
Mostly I just want an overview of the primary things at work here, to help with structuring the piece. Once I have my general sections I'll find it a lot easier to research, I think.
Thanks in advance.
If its a basic history essay i.e. highschool the best way for you to structure it is time.
Have 1 paragraph on pre-revolution and the pre-existing economic system
1 paragraph on each of the main topics that caused it. These do not have to be in chronological order but the key points. Granted there may be many but you will need to use the points that you consider to be the biggest factors. This method has about each paragraph take 1/2 an A-4 Lined page with about 13 words on each line.
Alternatively you can do many paragraphs on each of the points with each paragraph around 1/4-1/3 of a page. Instead of expanding extensively on one point you will show the teacher that you understand the area as a whole with your breadth of knowledge.
Understand however this is an Australian marking system of unless you know for certain i recommend sticking with the first method of a few key points with big paragraphs.
Intro and Concluding are givens.
I am assuming that you already understand the causes and that this is an in-class essay. If this is the case dont read any more books but rather write the essay over and over until you can remember it enough to write verbatim in the actual test. You will need around 1-2 quotes per paragraph and never give your own opinion directly but rather phrase it in a way that uses other works to support your opinion i.e. "Blanning theorizes".
If this is a home essay then you will want to grab more sources but not too many. You dont have enough words to fully expand on the quote itself and it makes you look like you are surfing the web to grab key quotes. Rather 3-4 sources would be enough with 3-4 other sources to list as background reading. At home you have much more time so just write a 4000-4500 word essay then break it down to fill the 3500 word mark.
Not sure about your school but in my university we get 10% extra so 3500 + 0.1 x 3500, so that gives you some leeway.
If you need more help feel free to PM me, i used to tutor other kids in my class on writing essays.