Author: The author cannot be positively identified, but it is widely excepted that Pierre Jurieu wrote these memoirs. Jurieu was a Calvinist pastor sent to exile in Holland, and his "memoirs are among the most provocative because they characterize Louis's absolutism" in France during the time period. Angry men sent into exile were among some of Louis's strongest critics, and Jurieu was no exception.
Context: Published in 1690, "The Sighs of Enslaved France" was written during a time of the Bourbon's family absolute monarchy and absolutism rule. Citizens were not treated fairly, the country was engaging in multiple battles and France was issuing a high tax on the majority of their citizens. The Edict of Nantes had been revoked before this document was published and the Huguenots were being punished to full extent again.
Summary:
Jurieu is commenting on the exorbitant taxes in France and the effects those taxes are having on the average citizen of the time. It is established that the unfair and extreme taxes are not being used properly and that the King is taking advantage of his power. Jurieu is demanding that a change happen within France and that the citizens stop allowing the tyrannical government take all their money. Jurieu also states that the country is spending too much money on trivial things which has led to money problems for the country.
Key Quote
"It will suffice to enable you to understand the horrible oppression of these taxes by showing (1) the immense sums that are collected, (2) the violence and abuses that are committed in levying them, (3) the bad use that is made of them, and (4) the misery to which the people are reduced."
Very well done! Ironically, in the US current political debate brings up many of the issues addressed in this document.
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