CHAPTER II.

THE LAST YEARS OF THE ANCIEN RÉGIME 28-54

The intellectual revolt of the eighteenth century.--Repudiation of authority and dogma.--Rise of the new political philosophy.--The literary leaders.--Montesquieu.--Voltaire.--Diderot and the Encyclopaedists.--Defects of their theory.--Helvetius and Holbach.--The Economists.--Morelly.--Rousseau. --Reasons for Rousseau's influence.--The _Contrat Social_, its doctrines and defects.--Universality of the philosophical and humanitarian spirit in Europe.--Its effects upon politics and society in France.--Its effects plainly visible in the Government, in Louis XVI, Turgot and Necker.--The Government begins to undertake large reforms.--Progress of Louis' reign.--Marie Antoinette and Calonne.--The Notables of 1787.--Loménie de Brienne and the struggle with the Parlements.--Resistance to the Government.--The Assembly of Vizille.--Recall of Necker, and summoning of the States-General.--Hesitating policy of the Government.--Rules for the General Election.--Questions as to the numbers of the Tiers-État, and as to the union or separation of the three Orders.--Irresolution of Necker.