Tax farming refers to the method of tax collection practiced in France during the days of the Ancien Régime (prior to Louis XVI). In essence individuals or companies paid the government for the right to collect taxes. Clearly such a system is open to abuse and corruption and the system of tax farming is usually seen as one of the causes of the French Revolution of 1789. Ancien Régime means Old Rule or Old Order in French; in English, the term refers primarily to the social and political system established in France under the Valois and Bourbon dynasties. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a pivotal period in the history of French, European and Western civilization. ...

See also

• Ferme générale