7 Significant Causes of the French Revolution.

In the second half of the 18th century, France was in a state of political and social crisis because there was a significant disparity between the rich and poor classes. 

The aristocracy comprised as few as 3% of the population yet owned more than 50% of French wealth; they dominated affairs, appointed ministers, and sat in parliament while nearly 40% of France spoke only rural dialects. They sought reforms to correct their condition; they sent petitions to Louis XVI, but he ignored them. 

In 1789 news spread that this petition had been thrown out. This led people to storm the Bastille on July 14, 1789, an event that marked the beginning of the greatest revolution in history. 

These causes can be summarized in various important aspects as follows:

7 Significant Causes of the French Revolution.

1. Taxes

The leading and dominant classes of the plain state (bourgeoisie, peasants, artisans and marginal sectors) were made up of more than 90% of France's population, who were expected to pay taxes and tithes in service to the French State. 

This left them in a predicament; they were heavily overburdened with responsibilities that made it difficult to provide for themselves or their families let alone enjoy a leisurely life (what little they had). 

The state had no qualms about keeping them in miserable conditions, feeding them a “bread with tears” that led to widespread poverty and desperation.

2. Weakness of the king

The French monarchy was a centralized state completely dependent on the strength of its ruler. King Louis XVI, who took power at the age of 20 and assumed the government of France in 1774, had a weaker temperament that prevented him from exerting his power effectively over the State. 

His wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, who also took to being referred to in an informal manner as 'Madame Déficit' by her subjects because she spent so much money on lavish spending sprees as well as frivolous amusements such as gaudy clothing, equestrian shows and plays (as were common practices among their elite social class during that time period) only served to further weaken the Kingdom's coffers which meant that fewer resources could be allocated towards the country's needs for both food products and raw materials which led to causing more trouble for its people who were already suffering from bad harvests.

3. The financial crisis

The French financial crisis during the 18th century proved to be a consequence of overwhelming debt, as well as many other situations happening at the time all over Europe. 

The government invested a lot of money into places like churches and public facilities. In addition, the king spent a lot of money to support wars that were carried out against his enemies and debts from loans contracted from 1789 to finance the American Revolution.

4. Bad harvest

Bad harvest spells were frequent in the 18th century and this was one of the risks that farmers had to face. Seeds had to be bought, workers paid, but a plague or a very strong winter could mean bankruptcy for them – losing everything that they had invested. 

This was what happened in the year 1788 when severe winter-damaged crops throughout France, causing hunger to spread and with it the anger of the peasants towards the privileged classes.

5. Inefficient agriculture

Despite the poor harvests, the economic development of France was hindered due to its backward agricultural processes which caused peasants to take too long in planting, harvesting and then subsequently selling their goods.

6. Wine overproduction

Historically, France has been characterized by the production of the best wines in the world. However, during the 18th century when vineyard owners produced more than people needed, there came a time when the market had no buyers. 

Out of this necessity to make ends meet, vineyards had to greatly lower their prices and reduce expenses by reducing both employees and quality, which resulted in a large mass of unemployed who swelled the list of dissatisfied with the situation in France.

7. The rise in cereal prices

Cereals made with wheat, like bread, became more expensive and doubled and tripled in price due to a surplus price of wheat. At the time, for the French people living in Paris, wheat was an important food source because there was little other available food supply at that time of year. This crisis was perceived as being deepening rapidly.

Final Words

The countryside was an important determinant of the French economy. All social classes - nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie and peasantry - were dependent on what the country could produce and provide. 

There was great importance placed upon land ownership as it would ultimately decide who among these groups would harness the most wealth but this apparent prosperity of the French countryside hid deep-rooted issues that made its economy volatile in a time when stability was crucial to maintaining peace within France's borders amid other circumstances threatening to destroy the monarchy from within.

Important References ~

https://linktr.ee/french_revolution

https://frenchrevolutiontimeline.com/

https://flipboard.com/@history_sites/french-revolution-resources-6cuict46y

https://frenchrevolution.substack.com/p/french-revolution-important-events