Causes of the French Revolution
In 1789, the most populous and powerful nation in Europe erupted in revolution. Within four years, its king was executed. What caused this upheaval?
Social Inequality: The Three Estates
French society was divided into three estates:
First Estate (Clergy): 0.5% of population. Owned 10% of land. Paid no taxes.
Second Estate (Nobility): 1.5% of population. Owned 25% of land. Paid few taxes. Held top positions.
Third Estate (Everyone else): 98% of population. Paid most taxes. Had least power.
The bourgeoisie (middle class) resented their exclusion despite growing wealth and education.
Financial Crisis
- Wars (including supporting America) drained treasury
- Debt service consumed 50% of revenue
- Nobles and clergy refused to pay taxes
- Louis XVI couldn't reform the system
By 1789, France couldn't pay its bills.
Hunger and High Prices
Bad harvests in 1788 caused bread prices to soar. By 1789, a worker spent 80-90% of income on bread.
Hungry people are revolutionary people.
Enlightenment Ideas
- Voltaire: Criticized Church and absolute monarchy
- Rousseau: Popular sovereignty; "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains"
- Montesquieu: Separation of powers
These ideas spread through salons, pamphlets, and cafés.
American Example
France had helped America win independence. Now French soldiers returned with revolutionary ideas about rights and self-governance.
If Americans could overthrow their king, why couldn't France?
The Trigger
May 1789: Louis XVI called the Estates-General (not met since 1614) to address the financial crisis.
June 1789: Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly.
July 14, 1789: Parisians stormed the Bastille.
The Revolution had begun.
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