Some of the grievances that precipitated the French Revolution were fiscal deficits of the country and tax hikes, terrible leadership, and social inequalities. First of all, the country found itself in serious debt since half of its budget had been parceled out to support the American war. France did not have a national bank to help with loans as did Britain. The French government obtained its loans from early payments provided by tax collectors, as well as money from high-interest private businesses like Swiss banks, and government allowances. Even tax collection was not conducted equitably. Peasants were the primarily responsible for paying taxes while the clergy and the elite were exempt. Not to mention the greed of private service providers