What was the main cause of the French Revolution?

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What was the main cause of the French Revolution

The year of 1789 to 1799 was a year of radical changes and political upheavals for the country of France. The “whole country seem[ed] ready for a revolution”. On such a momentous occasion it is easy to reflect with hindsight as to how the constitutional monarchy which had been traditionally used for centuries, to be abruptly overthrown by new ideas such as Enlightenment. However, although Enlightenment did play an important role in the French Revolution it can be argued that the American Revolution was a plausible demonstration in showing the French that they’re country could also be a place of “equality” and “freedom of the individual”. Additionally, it is important to take into consideration that even though France had faced great economic difficulties during the year of 1785, mostly concerning taxation, it was one of the most powerful and richest countries in Europe. But, it was because of the ruinously heavy taxation on the impoverished that allowed hatred for the gluttonous lifestyle of the monarchy. The most important cause of the French Revolution was arguably the unfair system of collection of taxes between the Three Estates; the obligations of the Third Estate and the fact that they had no money to upgrade their position, especially if they were peasants. Coupled with an extravagant King, a series of crop failures and the Seven Years Plan which caused France to face severe financial difficulties, the French Revolution was a disaster waiting to happen. Also the role of the French people and leading ideologies from political leaders was a major influencing factor, as this strong social desire for change was the reason there was a large majority of involvement.

The most important  cause of the French Revolution was economically the country’s sizeable national debt.This was from the result of the Seven Years War durig 1756to 1763 and the French were not only bankrupted by the Seven Yeras War, but also the War of the Austrian Succession and the American War for Independence. At this period the King, King LouisXVI had just managed come out of debts and unfortunately this did not last as “by 1753 their debt was 1.2 billion with annual interests of 85 million, which was 20% of France’s annual revenue”.The FRemch viewed war as an intrigue and instead of paying attention to funding and financial cost, they leaped at every opportunity to avenge their humiliations from prior wars, regardless of their situation. The result of these enormous war expenditures meant they were on the verge of bankruptcy and no bankers would lend to them. Support was lost for the King and a national popularity of hatred increased, especially among peasants.The Seven Years War damaged the country economically and further damaged the demands of the Third Estate. The peasants were deeply angered and felt it was “unfair” for them who had nothing, to give almost everything.Furthermore, as a result of the war the Third Estate were more heavily taxed to repay the country’s debt. This economic position crippled France and was equally depressing as the monarchy, nobles and clergymen had not rendered their ways in living lavishly. This economical crisis in France before the revolution can be argued as the immediate and main cause of the revolution

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 However the War of Independence was another factor that influenced the French Revolution as France's involvement in the American Revolution was not only costly on the French economy but it also provided an example for a revolution. Many French soldiers returned with great pride and a determined spirit to make a change in their country; it reinvigorated people to take action and was a perfect example to use as a reference that a revolution could work. Most of the soldiers especially, started having thoughts about freeing their own country from the corrupt clutches of a monarch. For example Count ...

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