Lesson plan
Polysynody
Polysynody (from Greek numerous, several, and Greek meeting, assembly) was an experimental system of government in use in Early Modern France between 1715 and 1718 and in which each minister (secretary of state) was replaced by a council. It was introduced early into the Regency of Philippe d'Orléans following the death of Louis XIV. The Polysynody was inspired by enlightenment ideals, however the system saw mixed successes but historians generally agree that the Polysynody didn't effectively alter either daily life nor the political culture of the Ancien régime. Throughout the Polysynody, its councils enabled notable events such as the economic experiments of John Law and the reforms of the Navy. While generally presented as an attempt to reestablish the political strength of the second estate, historians which examine this short period conclude that d'Orléans didn't allow the system much strength so it wouldn't undermine his authority and power as regent.
Article summary
Polysynody (from Greek numerous, several, and Greek meeting, assembly) was an experimental system of government in use in Early Modern France between 1715 and 1718 and in which each minister (secretary of state) was replaced by a council. It was introduced early into the Regency of Philippe d'Orléans following the death of Louis XIV. The Polysynody was inspired by enlightenment ideals, however the system saw mixed successes but historians generally agree that the Polysynody didn't effectively alter either daily life nor the political culture of the Ancien régime. Throughout the Polysynody, its councils enabled notable events such as the economic experiments of John Law and the reforms of the Navy. While generally presented as an attempt to reestablish the political strength of the second estate, historians which examine this short period conclude that d'Orléans didn't allow the system much strength so it wouldn't undermine his authority and power as regent.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.