Bachelors Button Tax
Location :
France (19th Century)
Impact :
Made the flower more expensive, limiting its use to wealthier gardeners.
How it worked:
A tax on Bachelor's Buttons, a popular flower used in gardens and floral arrangements.
Summary:
The Bachelor's Button Tax in 19th-century France was a tax on Bachelor's Buttons, a popular flower used in gardens and floral arrangements.
This tax made the flower more expensive, limiting its use to wealthier gardeners and reducing its prevalence in public and private gardens.
The Bachelor's Button Tax illustrates how the taxation of ornamental plants can influence gardening practices and aesthetics.
The Floral Levy

TRIVIA QUESTIONS
When was the Floral Levy introduced in France?
1820s
Which government implemented the Floral Levy in France?
The government of King Louis XVIII during the Bourbon Restoration
What was the primary reason for introducing the Floral Levy?
To raise revenue for public gardens and botanical research
Which items were primarily targeted by the Floral Levy?
Cut flowers, ornamental plants, and flower seeds
How was the Floral Levy collected?
As a tax on the sale and trade of flowers and ornamental plants
What was a common reaction of the public to the Floral Levy?
Mixed reactions, with opposition from florists and support from those interested in public botanical projects
How did the Floral Levy impact the flower trade in the 19th century?
It increased the cost of flowers and ornamental plants, affecting the affordability for consumers and profitability for florists
Which social class was most affected by the Floral Levy?
Middle-class consumers who purchased flowers for decorative purposes
What was one method used by people to avoid paying the Floral Levy?
Engaging in informal trade or growing their own flowers
When was the Floral Levy repealed?
Late 19th century, as part of a broader movement to reduce trade taxes and stimulate economic growth
What broader historical context surrounded the introduction of the Floral Levy?
A period of economic recovery and modernization in post-Napoleonic France, with increased attention to public spaces and scientific advancement
