# Paulette tax established (1604)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1604-paulette-tax-established
Location: France

Sale and inheritance of offices became more entrenched through an annual fee system. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Henry IV (King of France). Paulette tax established mattered because it changed material life, state capacity, economic networks or France’s ability to project power. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Paulette tax established mattered because it changed material life, state capacity, economic networks or France’s ability to project power.

Ruler at the time: [Henry IV](https://history-france.com/rulers/henry-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Paulette tax established](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Paulette+tax+established&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Paulette tax established](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Paulette+tax+established)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)