- Financial mismanagement and debt: The monarchy's extravagant spending and financial mismanagement led to a massive national debt. To address this, the monarchy imposed heavy taxes on the common people, which resulted in widespread discontent and poverty.
- Inequitable taxation: The tax system was highly regressive, with the lower classes bearing the heaviest burden. The clergy and the nobility enjoyed significant tax exemptions and privileges, which further fueled resentment among the common people.
- Absence of political representation: The monarchy was an absolute monarchy, with no meaningful representation or voice for the common people in the decision-making process. Power was concentrated in the hands of the king, his court, and the aristocracy, while the majority of the population had no say in government.
- Abuse of power: Many members of the monarchy and aristocracy were known for their corruption, abuse of power, and disregard for the well-being of the common people. This created a deep sense of injustice and resentment among the lower classes.
- Social and economic inequalities: The French society was deeply divided along social and economic lines. The clergy and the nobility held most of the wealth and privileges, while the common people lived in poverty and had limited opportunities for social advancement. This disparity perpetuated a sense of oppression and desire for change.
- Influence of Enlightenment ideas: Enlightenment ideas such as liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness spread among the educated elite and the middle classes. These ideas challenged the legitimacy of the absolute monarchy and inspired people to question the existing social order.
- Economic crisis and poor harvests: In the years leading up to the revolution, France experienced a severe economic crisis, triggered by a combination of factors such as poor harvests, high bread prices, and trade disruptions. This crisis further exacerbated the social and economic grievances of the people and contributed to the revolutionary fervor.
These factors collectively led to a growing discontent and desire for change among the French population. The financial crisis, inequitable taxation, lack of political representation, social injustices, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas fueled a revolutionary spirit that eventually erupted into the French Revolution in 1789.