**Causes of the French Revolution**

The French Revolution, which occurred from 1789 to 1799, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It was driven by a combination of several factors that had been brewing for years, including:

**1. Social Inequality:**
The French society was deeply divided into three estates, with the nobility and clergy enjoying privileges and exemptions from taxation, while the majority of the population, known as the Third Estate, faced heavy taxation and poverty. This stark inequality and lack of social mobility led to widespread discontent among the common people.

**2. Economic Crisis:**
France was facing a severe economic crisis during the 18th century. The country was burdened with heavy debts due to costly wars and extravagant spending by the monarchy. The regressive tax system placed a heavy burden on the common people, exacerbating their financial hardships.

**3. Enlightenment Ideas:**
The Enlightenment, an intellectual movement of the 18th century, emphasized reason, liberty, and equality. Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged the absolute power of the monarchy and promoted ideas of individual rights, democracy, and social change. These ideas spread across France, inspiring the people to question the existing social and political order.

**4. Weak Leadership:**
Louis XVI, the king of France during the revolution, was seen as a weak and ineffective leader. He lacked the ability to address the growing discontent and economic problems plaguing the country. His indecisiveness and failure to implement necessary reforms further fueled the revolutionary sentiments.

**5. Financial Crisis and Taxation:**
The French government faced a severe financial crisis due to extravagant spending and accumulated debt. Attempts to raise revenue through increased taxation on the Third Estate, who were already burdened with heavy taxes, further added to the grievances of the common people.

**6. Influence of the American Revolution:**
The success of the American Revolution in gaining independence from Britain had a significant impact on the French people. It demonstrated that a popular revolution could overthrow a monarchy and establish a democratic government. The French people were inspired by the ideals of liberty and equality that the American Revolution represented.

In conclusion, the main causes of the French Revolution were social inequality, economic crisis, Enlightenment ideas, weak leadership, financial crisis and taxation, as well as the influence of the American Revolution. These factors combined to create widespread dissatisfaction among the French people, leading to the outbreak of the revolution in 1789.