France by Jordyn

France In the 1600’s


    In the 1600‘s the French Cuisine was very simple. Food in France was always made from scratch. For example, you would have to grow your wheat and grind it into flour. Their food was never frozen only fresh. The Aztecs were the first to discover the cocoa bean when they recognized the cocoa tree. Christopher Columbus was the first to bring the cocoa bean back to Europe in 1502 - 1504. Only the rich could afford to buy meat and vegetables. Berries were also a part of their diet as well as anchovies, capers, and wine.
    The French people participated in many of the same activities as we do. They played many different kinds of sports like soccer, tennis, and  ballet dancing. They also hunted. The French people gambled on cock fights. The French enjoyed having elaborate dinner parties. 
    In the 1520’s, King Francis came up with grammar schools they were called colleges. In the 1600’s, Catholic Priests started combining religious beliefs with the colleges. The religion they studied and believed in was Roman Catholic. 
    The social pyramid in France started with the Nobles and Lords as the highest class. Next came the Clergy.  The Bourgeoisie which is the middle class was the third level. These people included shopkeepers, skilled workers, business workers, and bankers. The lowest class was the Masses.