I know that generally speaking the Ancien Régime ended with the French Revolution and was "restored" a couple of times in the 1800s under Louis XVIII and Louis-Napoléon, but what is considered to be the beginning of the Ancien Régime?
Was it the dawn of monarchical rule? If so, which Monarchy? Charlemagne? Hugh Capet? Henry IV? Or does the Ancien Régime refer to all time before the revolution?
Does the term have any analytical value?
Thanks for any insights!
Generally, the Ancien Regime was the French state before the Revolution, it doesn't necessarily have a beginning as it involves the King of France being the King of France. As for Louis XVIII, it doesn't apply to him as he is a Restoration King rather than an Ancien Regime King with the Revolution being the main division. Although I don't know what you mean in the term possibly having analytical value.