Causes of the French Revolution Secondary Source

The main causes of the French Revolution remain debated. The middle class resented political exclusion, the lower classes didn't want to support the current system and the government was on the brink of bankruptcy. Here we take a deeper look into the main causes of the French Revolution.

In 1789, France was the powerhouse of Europe, with a large overseas empire, strong colonial trade links as well as a flourishing silk trade at home, and was the center of the Enlightenment movement in Europe. The Revolution that engulfed France shocked Europe and changed the course of French politics and government completely. Many of its values – liberté, égalité, fraternité – are still widely used as a motto today.

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In the 18th century, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy, where the king had all the power. However, King Louis XVI was not like his predecessors. He lacked the strength and decisiveness that was needed for this system to work. His wife, Marie Antoinette, also faced criticism from the public due to her spending habits and rumors of inappropriate behavior. The royal couple became scapegoats for problems that were beyond their control.

Louis XVI inherited a difficult situation when he became king. France was already in a tough spot financially due to wars and a flawed tax system. The wealthiest parts of society were exempt from major taxes, leaving the burden on the poorest people. Regional differences in representation and financial contributions further exacerbated the problem. Additionally, France was falling behind in the agricultural and industrial revolution happening in Britain. These issues created a need for significant changes in the country.

The Estates System, which divided society into three groups, played a role in the start of the revolution. The first estate was the clergy; the second estate, the nobility, and the third estate the commoners. A new middle class, called the bourgeoisie, wanted to move up in society but faced obstacles within the rigid system. Louis XVI attempted to make changes by calling a meeting called the Estates General, but it turned into a stalemate as the First and Second Estates refused to work with the Third Estate for reform. These divisions fueled the belief that real change was possible and imminent.

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France faced major financial problems in the late 18th century. The tax system allowed the richest people to avoid paying taxes, and attempts to fix this were hindered by those in power. Instead of raising taxes, the finance minister decided to borrow money, worsening the country's debt. An attempt to be transparent about the royal family's expenses backfired, as it made people realize the unfairness of the financial system. King Louis lacked the power to make the necessary changes.

The Enlightenment, a movement focused on ideas of freedom, equality, and government with rules, influenced the French Revolution. Philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau spread these ideas through books and pamphlets. The ideals of the First Republic were believed to be based on Enlightenment principles. Unhappiness grew in France due to rising costs of living, bad harvests, and accusations of excessive spending by the royal family. Tensions escalated, leading to attacks on the king and queen in newspapers.

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Overall, France faced a combination of factors that contributed to the French Revolution. The weaknesses of King Louis XVI, financial troubles, social divisions, Enlightenment ideas, and growing discontent among the population all played a role in sparking the revolution.