Causes of The French Revolution.

Essay by rlbball5High School, 10th gradeA, October 2005

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A revolution broke out in France in 1789 between the people of first and second Estates and the people of the Third Estate because the people of the Third Estate were treated incredibly unfair so they came together and took matters into their own hands. The three most important causes of the French Revolution were the bad economy and unfair taxes paid by the Third Estate, lack of voice and rights, and the idea of enlightenment and the inspiration of the American Revolution. The revolution led to the execution of the king and queen of France, Louis XVI and Mary Antoinette.

The cost of food began to rise in the 1700's because of deficit spending over the years on wars and a building. The government needed to make money so they taxed basically everything possibly available to the people of the Third Estate, which consisted of the middle class, who were landowners, bankers, merchants, manufacturers, and more.

Commoners and the poorest peasants are also part of the Third Estate. The First Estate made up 1% of the people and owned 10% of the land, the Second Estate made up 2% of the people and owned 35% of the land, and the Third Estate makes up 97% of the people and owns 55% of the land. Lands held by nobility were taxed very little but lands held by commoners were taxed heavily. Bad harvests caused the price of food to rise even more, therefore many people cannot afford it and hunger spreads. People began to riot and demand for food.

When the delegates of the three Estates and the king met together for the Estates General the Third Estate argued that the voting was unfair and they were always at a two to one disadvantage, they would always be outvoted...