Cause for the French Revolution

The condition of the Third Estate

The theory of absolute monarchy was still in vogue, but it was slowly loosing grounds as the common man that made up the Third Estate did not enjoy any privileges unlike the aristocracy and the clergy. The people of the Third Estate were burdened with taxes while the aristocracy and the clergy enjoyed the fruit of their labor. The common people looked upon the privileged class with contempt and were very unhappy about the inequalities prevalent at that time.

Financial Bankruptcy

The treasury was literary empty because of the heavy expenditure incurred by Louis XIV .He and his successors cared little to cut down expenses or improve the financial condition through reforms. At the time of the revolution the government faced a situation of total bankruptcy. To improve the situation Charles Alexandre de Calonne tired to tax all landowners which was met with heavy resistance which later led to the Aristocratic Revolt in 1788.

Enlightenment thinkers and the American Revolution

The writings of enlightened thinkers like Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau rose feelings of nationalism which made the people rise up against their king, Louis XIV who had become despotic. Hence ideas of freedom and equality became the watch words of the revolution.

American Revolution (1775 - 17893)

France supported the colonists in the American Revolution and their success against the inspired them to rise against the aristocracy in order to bring a democratic rule and freedom for the people of France.

Scarcity of Food

The failure of crops (1780) followed the scarcity and increase in the price of food and bread .The mob rising was the outcome of the situation as the aristocracy class did nothing to improve the situation. The rural folks flooded the city of Paris and nothing was done to improve their condition.