An evaluation of the reasons for the French Revolution in 1789

An evaluation of the reasons for the French Revolution in 1789

Financial Crisis

  • France’s debt mainly due to the funding of wars, including the expensive Seven Years War and support for American Revolution against Britain.
  • The country’s financial system was inefficient with high levels of tax evasion and corrupt tax collectors.
  • The burden of taxation largely fell on the third estate, exacerbating social inequality.
  • King Louis XVI’s lavish lifestyle and the extravagance of Versailles further depleted the treasury.

Social Inequality

  • The Ancien Régime (Old Regime) was a system of governance divided into Three Estates: The First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners). Most of the population fell into the Third Estate.
  • The Third Estate, the working class, carried the burden of taxation whilst the First and Second estates were exempted or paid very few taxes.
  • The Bourgeoisie, a sub-group within the Third Estate, were becoming wealthier due to the increase in commerce and industry, but had no political power, leading to frustration.

Enlightenment Ideas

  • The spread of Enlightenment ideals that emphasised rational thinking and equality challenged the legitimacy of the monarchy and the Church.
  • Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu questioned traditional societal structures and proposed more equitable systems of governance.
  • Ideas such as freedom of speech and the importance of the consent of the governed were inspiring the masses.

Failure of Reforms

  • King Louis XVI’s failure to implement meaningful financial and political reforms fuelled revolutionary sentiment.
  • His attempts to reform were met with opposition from the nobility, while his indecisiveness further weakened his leadership.
  • The calling of the Estates-General in 1789 exposed rifts among the Estates and led to the revolutionary act of the formation of the National Assembly.

Economic Hardship

  • Poor harvests and drought in 1788 led to a rise in food prices, resulting in hardships for the ordinary people and widespread famine.
  • Unemployment was high, especially among urban workers in cities like Paris.
  • Economic structures were still largely feudal, leading to inefficient farming practices which worsened the economic situation.

The Role of Popular Agitation

  • Chronic food shortages, economic hardship and the influence of Enlightenment ideas culminated in popular discontent and mass agitation against the establishment.
  • The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 marked the start of the revolution.
  • Protests and revolutionary activities, such as the Women’s March on Versailles in October 1789, continued to pressure for change.

Each of these factors did not act alone to cause the French Revolution; they were interlinked and the geography, demography and culture of France at the time must also be taken into account.