Political Circumstances:
- The political system in France before the French Revolution was an absolute monarchy. The king, Louis XVI, held all the power and made all the decisions.
- The nobility and clergy enjoyed special privileges and exemptions from taxes, while the common people, known as the Third Estate, were burdened with heavy taxes and had little say in government affairs.
- The monarchy was also characterized by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. The king's advisers were often incompetent and influenced by their own self-interests.

Social Circumstances:
- French society was divided into three estates. The First Estate consisted of the clergy, the Second Estate was made up of the nobility, and the Third Estate comprised the common people, including the bourgeoisie (middle class) and peasants.
- The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges such as exemption from taxes and control over key positions in the government, military, and Church. They also owned a significant portion of the land.
- The Third Estate, on the other hand, faced severe social and economic inequality. They bore the burden of heavy taxes, had limited access to education and job opportunities, and often lived in poverty.
- The Enlightenment ideas of equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty began to spread among the educated middle class, leading to a growing discontent among the Third Estate.

Economic Circumstances:
- France faced a severe economic crisis before the revolution. The monarchy's extravagant spending, including the support of the American Revolution, had left the country heavily in debt.
- The tax burden fell primarily on the Third Estate, who were already struggling to make ends meet. They faced high bread prices and unemployment due to economic downturns.
- The feudal system, where peasants were obligated to pay dues and perform labor for their landlords, added to their economic hardships.
- The inefficient and corrupt tax collection system further exacerbated the economic problems. Tax exemptions for the nobility and clergy meant that the burden fell disproportionately on the common people.

Overall, the political, social, and economic circumstances in France before the French Revolution were characterized by an absolute monarchy, social inequality, an oppressive tax system, and a struggling economy. These factors laid the groundwork for the revolution as the people sought political and social reforms, economic relief, and a more equitable society.