What were the causes that led to the French Revolution?

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was the result of a combination of structural issues, immediate crises, and transformative ideas. Here are some of the key causes:

1. Social Inequality: French society was divided into three Estates. The First Estate consisted of the clergy, the Second Estate was the nobility, and the Third Estate included everyone else, from peasants to the bourgeoisie (middle class). The Third Estate was heavily burdened by taxes, while the First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges, including exemptions from many taxes.

2. Financial Crisis: France's financial crisis was exacerbated by heavy expenditure, including funding the American Revolution, and the government's inability to reform its tax system. King Louis XVI and his finance ministers failed to resolve the country's insolvency, which led to increased public unrest.

3. The Enlightenment: Enlightenment ideas challenged traditional authority and championed freedom, equality, and reason. Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu criticized the absolute monarchy and inspired people to question the status quo.

4. Absolutism: The absolutist monarchy, where the king had unchecked power, became increasingly unpopular. The people desired a system that was more representative and fair.

5. Agricultural Crisis: Poor harvests in the years leading up to the Revolution caused food shortages, which led to higher food prices and increased the hardship among the lower classes.

6. Unpopular Monarchy: Louis XVI’s policies, including his ostentatious spending and perceived indifference to the plight of the common people, made the monarchy unpopular.

7. Influence of Other Revolutions: The success of the American Revolution had a profound impact on France. It showed that a revolt against a tyrannical government could be successful and that a different form of government was possible.

Each of these factors created a volatile situation that finally erupted with the Estates-General's calling in 1789, which led to the formation of the National Assembly and the storming of the Bastille, thus igniting the Revolution.