European History Notes Review

Causes of the French Revolution

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was influenced by numerous political, social, and economic factors:

Political Factors

1. Feudal System: Under Louis XVI, governance favored aristocrats, excluding the meritocratic entry of middle-class professionals. The resulting discontent among the bourgeoisie fueled revolutionary sentiments.

2. Autocracy: Louis XVI ruled with absolute power, lacking efficient governance systems to address grievances, leading to widespread frustration.

3. American Revolution: The ideals of liberty and democracy from the American Revolution inspired the French populace. Moreover, France's military interventions abroad strained its finances, exacerbating the economic crisis.

4. Ineptitude of the Monarchy: Louis XVI’s inability to execute necessary reforms, and his dismissals of capable advisors (e.g., Turgot and Necker), highlighted government incompetence and ignited popular anger against absolute rule.

5. Influence of Philosophers: Enlightenment thinkers (Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau) contributed ideas promoting democratic governance and challenged the existing socio-political paradigm, further inciting dissatisfaction.

Economic Factors

1. Heavy Taxation: Tax burdens disproportionately fell on the lower classes (peasants and bourgeoisie) while nobles and clergy enjoyed exemptions. Common taxes (e.g., tithes) accounted for excessive wealth drainage from the poor.

2. Financial Crisis: Continuous military pursuits (especially during the American War of Independence) drove France toward bankruptcy. Extravagance in the royal court further compounded the fiscal crisis.

3. Poor Harvests (1787-1788): Bad agricultural yields led to food shortages, crippling the purchasing power of the lower classes and heightening social unrest.

Social Factors

1. Class Stratification: France was divided into three estates, with the Third Estate (peasants and middle class) bearing the strain of taxation and governance exclusion. This social inequality fueled revolutionary fervor.

2. Censorship and Lack of Rights: There was strict censorship of publications and heavy restrictions on individual rights, leading to resentment among the educated middle-class and a desire for political freedom.