Before the French Revolution, France was facing several economic challenges that contributed to the social unrest and dissatisfaction among the population. These economic conditions can be divided into several key areas:

1. Agriculture:
- The majority of the French population was engaged in agriculture, but the farming methods were outdated and inefficient.
- The feudal system still existed, where a large portion of the crops produced by peasants was taken as taxes by the nobility and clergy.
- The system of feudal dues and obligations also hindered agricultural productivity.

2. Taxation:
- The French government was burdened with a heavy debt from wars, extravagant spending by the monarchy, and the support provided to the American Revolution.
- To address this debt, the government imposed high taxes on the Third Estate (commoners), while the nobility and clergy were largely exempted.
- The tax burden fell disproportionately on the lower and middle classes, exacerbating the economic inequality in the country.

3. Financial Mismanagement:
- The French monarchy faced significant financial mismanagement, with the royal court being a center of luxury and extravagance.
- The monarchy borrowed heavily, leading to a constant need for more revenue to pay off debts and interest.
- Corruption and inefficiency further drained the state's finances.

4. Trade and Industry:
- The French economy was primarily agrarian, with limited industrial development.
- The guild system, which regulated and restricted trade, hindered the growth of industries and limited competition.
- France also faced competition from other European countries in international trade.

5. Inflation and Rising Prices:
- The cost of living in France was high, and inflation was rampant.
- The price of basic necessities, such as bread, increased significantly, making it difficult for the lower classes to afford food.

These economic conditions created a sense of frustration and discontent among the French population, particularly the Third Estate. The heavy tax burden, coupled with economic inequality and high living costs, contributed to the growing resentment towards the monarchy and the aristocracy. These economic grievances played a significant role in fueling the revolutionary sentiment that eventually led to the French Revolution in 1789.