Topic > On the Roots of the French Revolution: Main Causes and Consequences

Did you know that in France during the French Revolution a loaf of bread cost a week's wages for 98% of the population, which mainly included peasants? The French Revolutions, one of the largest revolutions in all of Europe showing a concept of inequality, began in June 1789, under the rule of King Louis XVI, when revolutionaries stormed a prison called the Bastille. It ended ten years later, with the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. One of the causes of the French Revolution is due to the social structure. The French people were divided into three social groups, often called the “Estates”. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The First Estate consisted of all clergy (church leaders), who were responsible for the spiritual and moral well-being of the nation, including the education of their children. They also owned the land but were not responsible for paying taxes on this land. However, each year they sent a small amount of money to the government as a gift. The Second Estate was made up of nobles, born into this prestige. Despite their wealth, this class paid very little tax. Nobles had rights to peasant lands and received priority in obtaining top positions in the government. The Third Estate was made up of 80% peasants, that is, the majority of the population. The people on this estate ranged from middle class to poor. Some people might be doctors and advocates for the homeless. Since the French exempted the clergy and nobles from taxes, the burden was imposed on the peasants. The farmers paid the state a land tax and a 5% property tax. One of the general causes of the French Revolution was the social structure and inequalities of the French Revolution, which caused a social and political rebellion in France. The cause of this was the American Revolution. When King Louis XVI became king, France aided the 13 American colonies in their fight for the freedom of Great Britain. France had also wasted money in past wars and in the maintenance of the King's Court in the city palace of Versailles, which was built with expensive goods and had about 700 rooms, and about 700 people could live comfortably here. This caused France to become financially unstable. Thus, King Louis VI decided to increase tax rates only for the Third Estate, to alleviate its financial crisis. For this reason it was very difficult for the Third Estate to live. It was becoming difficult even to buy bread. This is why then the bourgeoisie and the philosophers began to rise up. In 1789 the state general assembly was convened to discuss tax issues. On May 5, the Third Estate claimed the right of "one man, one vote." Since the right was not granted, on June 20, 1789, the entire Third Estate proclaimed itself a National Assembly at the tennis court. Food prices also increased, which is why on 14 July 1789 the third estate attacked the Bastille. Then King Louis realized that French society would not remain silent. At this point the women also began to rebel. This made King Louis' situation so miserable that he had to leave the palace and go to live in Paris. At this point therefore, the situation of food prices and taxes was over, and all the privileges of the first and second estates were also removed. In 1791, the National Assembly weakened King Louis' power and divided his powers equally among several institutions. They divide it into legislative, executive and judicial branches. France had begun to become a constitutional monarchy from a monarchy. In the.