The French Revolution was a period of significant social and political change in France that occurred from 1789 to 1799. It was marked by the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and eventually the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Several key factors contributed to the causes of the French Revolution.

1. Social Inequality:
- The French society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.
- The first two estates enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxes, while the third estate, comprising the majority of the population, bore the burden of taxation.
- This inequality and resentment towards the privileged classes created a sense of injustice and fueled revolutionary sentiments.

2. Financial Crisis:
- France faced a severe financial crisis due to extravagant spending by the monarchy and involvement in wars, such as the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution.
- The country was burdened with a massive public debt, and attempts to increase taxes on the nobility and clergy were met with resistance.
- The financial strain further exacerbated the discontent among the commoners.

3. Enlightenment Ideas:
- The Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement, spread ideas of liberty, equality, and the rights of the individual.
- Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu questioned the absolute power of the monarchy and advocated for political and social reforms.
- Their ideas influenced the educated middle class, known as the bourgeoisie, and contributed to the revolutionary fervor.

4. Weak Leadership:
- King Louis XVI, who ascended the throne in 1774, was an ineffective leader and lacked the political acumen to address the grievances of the people.
- His indecisiveness and failure to implement necessary reforms further undermined the monarchy's legitimacy.
- The queen, Marie Antoinette, also faced widespread criticism for her extravagant lifestyle, which added to the discontent among the population.

5. Economic Hardships:
- The majority of the French population, especially the rural peasants, faced dire economic conditions, including food shortages and high bread prices.
- Poor harvests and rising inflation worsened the economic hardships, leading to widespread unrest and protests.

Overall, the causes of the French Revolution were rooted in social inequality, financial crisis, enlightenment ideas, weak leadership, and economic hardships. These factors created a volatile environment that eventually culminated in the outbreak of the revolution in 1789.