Causes of the French Revolution
The French Revolution (circa 1788-1799) is considered to be one of the most significant events in world history because it drastically changed the face of France, which at the time of the Revolution was the most powerful country in Europe, as well as altered the traditions of the culture and government. The French Revolution was a chain of political and social acts by reformers in the French Government to eliminate the absolute power of the King and the rich landowners and develop a Government elected solely by the citizens of the town. This Revolution would ultimately instigate the act of liberty and equality for the people and generate fair living standards and treatment for all social classes. The Revolution prompted the expansion of additional political forces such as democracy and nationalism. It questioned the power and authority of kings, priests, and nobles and provided new principles and significance to the political and social ideas of the citizens. Numerous factors led to the cause of the French Revolution, which inevitably changed the appearance of France's economy and political status considerably. Such issues that triggered the French Revolution include social and political confli
The First and Second Estate were considered the privileged class because they were exempt from many taxes. The clergy paid no taxes except to maintain church activities such as school and caring for the poor. The nobility were only required to pay the land tax, property taxes as well as taxes on roads and services. The nobles were economically stable due to their extensive land wealth. The Third Estate was the most displeased and discriminated class. The bourgeoisie, or middle classmen were very well educated, and sought out influence from the ideas of Voltaire and Rousseau who attacked the injustices and inequalities of the time. The bourgeoisie consisted mainly of merchants and manufacturers, lawyers, doctors and others similar to those types of professions. They resented the privileges and rights of the nobility and clergy and persisted their demand for a larger role in state affairs. The city workers were dissatisfied because their wages were not high enough to purchase essential goods, especially when prices were already increasing at a rapid rate. The peasants, which made up over 80 percent of the France population suffered the most because they were forced to pay heavy taxes. Yet, they were the people least able to afford them. The peasants were given harsh treatment at a time when their economy was experiencing a drastic blow from poor harvests and financial downfall. The most serious problem in France was the difficulty facing the government during this time. Taxes were divided unequally among citizens, resulting in the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming even poorer. This was due to poor economic government decisions, which in turn caused taxes to increase for peasants significantly. The French government was careless and rash when making financial and economic decisions which largely resulted in the steep economic decline. To keep the French power alive Louis XIV borrowed sizeable amounts of money to pay for the wars and battles. The government continued to invest in explorations that were not benefiting France in any way, and were not broadening their financial horizons. These actions increased the national debt, which was already too high. Eventually, reform and modification of the French government took place which changed France considerably. The French government was now completely elected by the people, and finally a fair lawmaking system was enforced. This system was not easily implemented, as countless attempts to create a governmental system that instigated equality and fair treatment were unsuccessful. Many factors, including political and social aspects led to the cause of the French Revolution which ultimately changed the appearance and character of France. The French Revolution was a turning point in French history, and is considered to be one of the most significant events in the world. It completely transformed the structure of the French government, as well as produced drastic improvements in the economic and financial aspects of the country. Many social ( e.g. dis
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Approximate Word count = 2041
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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