Due to bad harvest, the prices of bread rose and often bakers hoarded the bread. The angry women who did not get the bread even after long hours of waiting in queues stormed into the shops . And on 14th july, the agitated crowd stormed and destroyed the Bastille

Immediate Cause of the French Revolution

The immediate cause of the French Revolution was the financial crisis faced by the French monarchy in the late 18th century. This crisis was primarily due to the extravagant spending of King Louis XVI and his predecessors, as well as inefficient taxation and a growing national debt.

Economic Crisis:
- France faced a severe economic downturn due to multiple factors such as costly wars, including the American Revolutionary War, which strained the treasury.
- The monarchy's lavish lifestyle and expenditures, along with the expenses of maintaining a large army and a luxurious court, drained the state's finances.
- The aristocracy and the clergy, who enjoyed significant exemptions from taxation, often evaded contributing their fair share to the state's revenue, burdening the common people.

High Taxes and Unequal Distribution of Burden:
- The burden of taxation fell disproportionately on the Third Estate (commoners), while the nobility and clergy were largely exempt from contributing.
- The system of taxation was outdated and inefficient, leading to widespread resentment among the common people who were burdened by heavy taxes.
- The royal court's excessive spending and the privileged position of the nobility further exacerbated the economic grievances of the lower classes.

Food Shortages and Rising Prices:
- Poor harvests in 1787 and 1788 resulted in food shortages and soaring prices of essential goods, particularly bread.
- The common people, who spent a significant portion of their income on basic necessities, faced tremendous hardship.
- The rising cost of living further fueled discontent and anger towards the monarchy, as people blamed the king and the privileged classes for their plight.

Social Inequality and Unrest:
- France was divided into three estates, with the First Estate consisting of the clergy, the Second Estate consisting of the nobility, and the Third Estate representing the majority of the population.
- The Third Estate, which included the commoners, bourgeoisie, and urban workers, bore the brunt of the economic crisis and social inequality.
- The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of the nobility and clergy and the dire conditions faced by the common people created a sense of injustice and deep frustration.

Conclusion:
The immediate cause of the French Revolution was the financial crisis, marked by economic mismanagement, high taxes on the common people, food shortages, and social inequality. These factors created an environment of discontent and resentment among the French population, paving the way for the revolutionary uprising that sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a more equitable and just society.