Causes of French Revolution political causes economical cause social c...
Political causes are :
1) Absolute Monarchy : France during the 19th century was ruled by Louis 16 who belonged to the Bourbon dynasty. During his reign, people were dissatisfied due to the absolute utilization of power by the king.
Social Cause :
1) the society was divided into three estates.The first two estates got many privileges... However the third estate had to pay all the taxes... So the people from the third estate were agitated.
Economic Cause :
1) During the reign of Louis 16 subsistence crisis occured where food scarcity prevailed. It greatly affected the lives of the people.
Causes of French Revolution political causes economical cause social c...
Political Causes of the French Revolution:
- Absolutist Monarchy: France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under King Louis XVI, where the king had complete authority and power. This led to a lack of political representation for the common people, who had no say in the governance of the country.
- Inefficient and Corrupt Governance: The French government was plagued by corruption and inefficiency. The monarchy was heavily influenced by the nobility and clergy, who enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxes, while the burden of taxation fell on the commoners.
- Lack of Social Mobility: The French society was highly stratified, with a rigid social hierarchy. The privileges and positions of power were inherited, and there was minimal opportunity for social mobility. The Third Estate, consisting of the commoners, faced significant social and economic inequalities.
- Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment, characterized by intellectual and philosophical advancements, spread throughout Europe and influenced French intellectuals. The ideas of individual rights, equality, and popular sovereignty inspired the French revolutionaries and challenged the existing political order.
Economic Causes of the French Revolution:
- Financial Crisis: France was burdened with massive debts due to excessive spending by the monarchy, expensive wars, and an inefficient tax system. The country was on the verge of bankruptcy, and attempts to raise taxes on the nobility and clergy were met with resistance.
- Inflation and Food Shortages: The agrarian economy of France faced challenges due to poor harvests, rising food prices, and inflation. The common people, already burdened by high taxes, struggled to afford basic necessities, leading to widespread discontent.
- Unequal Taxation System: The tax burden in France fell disproportionately on the Third Estate, comprising the commoners. The nobility and clergy enjoyed exemptions and privileges, further exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
Social Causes of the French Revolution:
- Social Inequality: French society was deeply divided into three estates - the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. The first two estates enjoyed privileges and exemptions, while the Third Estate faced economic hardships and lack of political representation.
- Influence of Enlightenment: The ideas of the Enlightenment, which emphasized individual rights, equality, and the questioning of traditional authority, permeated French society. Intellectuals and middle-class professionals began to question the existing social order and demand political and social reforms.
- Influence of American Revolution: The successful American Revolution, which resulted in the establishment of a republic based on Enlightenment principles, inspired the French revolutionaries and gave them hope for a similar revolution in France.
- Influence of Philosophers: Intellectuals and philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu played a significant role in shaping public opinion and advocating for social and political change. Their ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty resonated with the aspirations of the common people.
Overall, the French Revolution was a result of a combination of political, economic, and social factors. The oppressive political system, economic hardships, and social inequalities created a volatile environment that eventually led to the outbreak of the revolution in 1789. The revolution aimed to overthrow the absolute monarchy, establish a constitutional government, and address the economic and social grievances of the common people.
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