History

Revolution:

• Definition: A revolution is the overthrow of a government or social order by force in favor of a new system, leading to significant and often dramatic societal changes.

Causes of the French Revolution:

• The French Revolution was a political revolution characterized by changes in governance and power structures.

Significance of the French Revolution:

• The French Revolution marked a significant historical event that originated ideas of freedom, democracy, and equality.

* It led to demands for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity among the people and is commemorated annually on Bastille Day.

* The revolution inspired similar movements worldwide and brought about fundamental changes in governance and societal structures.

This organization presents definitions of revolution and its causes, focusing on the French Revolution's political, social, and economic factors.

* Court: Money spent on the royal household, pensions for nobility, entertainment, and luxurious lifestyle.

* Administration: Funds used for paying salaries of ministers and other officials, as well as the costs associated with enforcing the law.

* Military: Expenses related to maintaining the army and navy.

* Debt: Payment of interest to citizens and foreigners who lent money to the government.

* Peasant Taxation: Peasants bore the brunt of the tax burden, paying approximately 80% of their earnings in various taxes.

* Types of Taxes:

* Tithe: One-tenth of their income paid to the Church.

* Taille: A land tax paid to the king.

* Gabelle: A tax on salt, important for food preservation, paid to the king.

* Feudal Taxes: Peasants paid taxes to the nobles for using roads and bridges.

* Forced Labor (Corvée): Peasants were obligated to work on public projects like roads and buildings without pay.

* Consequences: These heavy taxes and obligations exacerbated the peasants' plight, especially during poor harvests, leading to starvation and discontent among the Third Estate, which comprised most of the working population.

* The French government borrowed money to finance wars and accumulated debts, including those from supporting the American War of Independence.

* High interest rates on these debts consumed a significant portion of the government's annual budget.

* The taxation system was flawed and inefficient. The Third Estate, comprising the majority of the population, bore the heaviest tax burden while the First and Second Estates, consisting of the clergy and nobility, enjoyed exemptions from taxes.

* First Estate: Consisted of the clergy, including bishops, abbots, and parish priests. They were exempt from paying taxes to the state and owned vast amounts of land.

* Second Estate: Comprised the nobility, who held titles and vast land ownership. They also enjoyed tax exemptions and received feudal dues from those living on their estates.

* Third Estate: Formed the bulk of the population, including the bourgeoisie (merchants, bankers, professionals) and peasants. They resented the privileges of the nobles and clergy and were heavily taxed, despite their significant contributions to society and the economy.