Subsistence crisis refers to a situation where the means of livelihood are not enough to sustain the individual or community. In the context of the French Revolution, this crisis referred to a situation that arose in France in the eighteenth century. The population of France increased from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789. The demand for food grain registered a rapid increase while the production could not keep up with its pace. This led to steep increase in the price of bread while the wages did not increase. The gap between rich and poor increased and subsistence crisis arose as a result.

Subsistence crisis in France refers to a period of food shortage and economic instability that occurred during the late 18th century. This crisis was primarily caused by a combination of factors including poor harvests, high taxes, and rising bread prices. The subsistence crisis had a significant impact on the French population, particularly the rural poor who relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood.

Factors that led to the subsistence crisis:

1. Poor harvests: A series of poor harvests in the years leading up to the French Revolution severely impacted the availability of food. This was due to a combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions, disease, and pests.

2. High taxes: The French government imposed high taxes on the population, particularly on the rural poor who were already struggling to make ends meet. These taxes made it difficult for people to afford basic necessities such as food and clothing.

3. Rising bread prices: Bread was the staple food of the French population, and rising bread prices made it difficult for people to afford enough food to feed their families. This was particularly true for the urban poor who had to rely on markets to buy their food.

Impact of the subsistence crisis:

1. Hunger and malnutrition: Many people in France suffered from hunger and malnutrition during the subsistence crisis. This led to an increase in the number of people suffering from diseases such as tuberculosis and scurvy.

2. Economic instability: The subsistence crisis contributed to economic instability in France, as people struggled to afford basic necessities and businesses struggled to stay afloat.

3. Social unrest: The subsistence crisis contributed to social unrest in France, particularly among the rural poor who were most affected by the crisis. This unrest eventually led to the French Revolution.

In conclusion, the subsistence crisis in France was a complex issue that had a significant impact on the French population. It was caused by a combination of factors including poor harvests, high taxes, and rising bread prices. The crisis led to hunger, economic instability, and social unrest, and contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution.