French Revolution Research Paper

The French Revolution occurred from 1789 to 1799 and has been evaluated as a major social and political turning point in France. During the course of the revolution France was transformed from a monarchy to a republic based on the values of freedom and equality, and Louis XVI was brought to an end. Not only did the French Revolution impact only France, it's effects were widespread and impacted Europe as a whole. Some of the main causes of the French Revolution were France's political state, the inequality of the three estates social status and the fragile economic condition of France. These were only some of the various causes of the Revolution.

The economic state in France composed one of many reasons for the French Revolution. The economic

During the 17th and 18th centuries France was ruled by an absolute monarchy. During this period of time in France, King Louis XVI held all political power. Also, during this time anyone who spoke, went against or criticised the French government was able to be arrested and put in jail without a trial. It would seem that Louis XVI was more interested in fighting and conquering then actually directing the governing of France, as he and his wife (Marie Antoinette) lived an extremely extravagant and luxurious lifestyle in a palace. Due to this it would seem that they didn't worry too much about the state of their country. Many of the citizens of France recognised this and did not support it. The French government was highly corrupt, unjust, ineffective and inefficient. Furthermore most citizens were denied basic rights and a say in their government, this was a result of the inequality of the three estates which soon became a major reason for the cause of the revolution. This inequality of distribution of rights and power between the three estates caused much anger throughout the third estate as they had the most people and the least power, rights, votes and no say in government matters whatsoever. (Sources 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 and

The clergy belonged to the first estate was was further divided into two groups, higher and lower. The higher had the highest social status in society and had the most rights. These people managed the churches, monasteries and education of France and did not pay any taxes to the King. These people took advantage of and pretty much exploited the third estate whilst they lived in luxury and extravagance. The third estate recognised this and hated the fist estate because of the severe difference of rights. The nobles were the second estate, and much like the first estate were split into two halves of upper and lower. The upper part of the second estate enjoyed many luxuries similar to the first estate such as paying no taxes to the King and they also completely disregarded the peasants. However, the lower part of the second estate didn't have the same rights as the upper part of the second estate and had to pay some taxes. Finally came the third estate which consisted of the peasants, this estate had to pay all the taxes even though they were by far the least wealthy estate. They also has absolutely no rights and privileges and had the highest numbers. This was an extremely important factor as a cause of the revolution. (Sources 1, 2, 6, 7 and