Causes of 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 were exempt from taxes, while the commoners were burdened with heavy taxes and had no political power. This inequality led to resentment and anger among the commoners.

2. Economic Crisis: France was facing a severe economic crisis due to the wars it had fought, extravagant spending of the nobility, and a poor harvest. The government was in debt and could not meet the needs of the people. This led to inflation, high prices of bread, and unemployment.

3. Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment thinkers questioned the traditional authority of the monarchy and the Church. They advocated for individual rights, democracy, and freedom of speech. Their ideas inspired the commoners to demand a change in the political structure of France.

4. Weak Monarchy: The French monarchy was weak and ineffective. The king, Louis XVI, was indecisive and lacked the support of the people. The nobility was also divided and could not provide the necessary support to the monarchy.

5. Financial Crisis: The French government was facing a severe financial crisis due to the cost of wars and the extravagant spending of the monarchy. Attempts to raise taxes on the nobility were met with resistance, and the government was forced to borrow heavily. This led to a debt crisis and further economic instability.

In conclusion, the French Revolution was caused by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. The inequality and oppression of the commoners, the economic crisis, the influence of Enlightenment ideas, the weakness of the monarchy, and the financial crisis all contributed to the revolution. The French Revolution had a profound impact on the world and paved the way for democracy and individual rights.

The causes of the French Revolution can be broadly classified as-1. Political causes- Absolute monarchy based on the Divine Rights of the King was prevalent in France. The Monarch lived in splendor and cared little for the welfare of the subjects. The whole administration was corrupt and high posts were often auctioned.2. Social Causes- The French society was ridden with several inequalities. The society was divided into 3 estates. While the first 2 estates enjoyed all the privileges, the third estate lived a life of misery. The entire burden of taxation also fell almost entirely on them.3. Economic Causes- France had been continuously involved in wars which almost ruined her economy. Louis XVI had inherited an empty treasury. He still wasted money in liberating the 13 colonies of America from the common enemy Britain. Only a fraction of the taxes could be realized as those who had to pay were too poor to pay taxes while those who could pay like the nobles, clergy etc. were exempted from it.4. Intellectual Causes- Political thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Locke etc. exposed the ills of the French government and the administration which made the people aware of their rights and the duties of the government. It also propounded theories for an ideal form of government. All these caused hatred against the crown nobles and the clergy.5. Immediate Cause- Forced by financial bankruptcy, Emperor Louis XVI was compelled to call a meeting of the Estates General in 1789 after a lapse of175 years. It was necessary to impose / increase taxes. The third estate demanded one vote for every delegate. But when the first two estates refused it the members of the third estate walked out in protest.