The outbreak of revolutionary protests in France was influenced by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. Here are some circumstances that led to the French Revolution:
1. Social Inequality: France had a rigid social structure with the privileged classes, such as the clergy and the nobility, enjoying numerous privileges and exemptions, while the majority of the population, the Third Estate, faced economic hardships and inequality.
2. Economic Crisis: France was facing severe economic difficulties, including high taxes, food shortages, and rising prices. The burden of taxation fell disproportionately on the Third Estate, exacerbating their grievances.
3. Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement emphasizing reason, equality, and individual rights, spread throughout France and challenged the existing political and social order. Ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty fueled the desire for change.
4. Financial Mismanagement: France's financial situation was dire due to years of mismanagement and excessive spending by the monarchy, including King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Attempts to reform the tax system and address the financial crisis were met with resistance.
5. Political Unrest: The monarchy's absolute power and lack of representation for the Third Estate led to growing discontent. The Estates-General, a representative body, was convened in 1789, but the Third Estate, demanding equal representation, formed the National Assembly, signaling a challenge to the monarchy.
These circumstances, along with other factors, culminated in the outbreak of revolutionary protests in France, ultimately leading to significant political and social changes. The French Revolution had a profound impact not only on France but also on the course of world history. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
The circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were:
SOCIAL INEQUALITY: French society in the eighteenth century was divided into three estates namely The Clergy, The nobility and third estates which comprise peasants, officials and small business. It was only third estates that pay taxes. Clergy and nobility were exempt from taxes.
SUBSISTENCE CRISIS: The population of France also increased from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789. Food grains were now in great demand. Price of bread shot up. Wages did not keep pace with rising prices. This led to subsistence crisis.
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS: Long years of war had drained the financial resources of France. France had a debt of more than 2 billion livres. To meet its regular expenses, such as the cost of maintaining an army, the court, running government offices or universities, the state was forced to increase taxes.
STRONG MIDDLE CLASS: The middle class emerged educated and wealthy during the eighteenth century. They believed that no group in society should be given privileges by birth. Ideas of equality and freedom were put forward by philosophers. The ideas of these philosophers were discussed intensively in salons and coffee houses and spread among people.
Immediate Causes: On 5 may, 1789, Louis XVI called together an assembly of Estates General to pass proposals for new taxes. Third estates protested against this proposal but as each estate have one vote, the king rejected this appeal. They walked out of the assembly.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
The outbreak of revolutionary protests in France was influenced by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. Here are some circumstances that led to the French Revolution:
1. Social Inequality: France had a rigid social structure with the privileged classes, such as the clergy and the nobility, enjoying numerous privileges and exemptions, while the majority of the population, the Third Estate, faced economic hardships and inequality.
2. Economic Crisis: France was facing severe economic difficulties, including high taxes, food shortages, and rising prices. The burden of taxation fell disproportionately on the Third Estate, exacerbating their grievances.
3. Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement emphasizing reason, equality, and individual rights, spread throughout France and challenged the existing political and social order. Ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty fueled the desire for change.
4. Financial Mismanagement: France's financial situation was dire due to years of mismanagement and excessive spending by the monarchy, including King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Attempts to reform the tax system and address the financial crisis were met with resistance.
5. Political Unrest: The monarchy's absolute power and lack of representation for the Third Estate led to growing discontent. The Estates-General, a representative body, was convened in 1789, but the Third Estate, demanding equal representation, formed the National Assembly, signaling a challenge to the monarchy.
These circumstances, along with other factors, culminated in the outbreak of revolutionary protests in France, ultimately leading to significant political and social changes. The French Revolution had a profound impact not only on France but also on the course of world history. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Verified answer
Answer:
The circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were:
SOCIAL INEQUALITY: French society in the eighteenth century was divided into three estates namely The Clergy, The nobility and third estates which comprise peasants, officials and small business. It was only third estates that pay taxes. Clergy and nobility were exempt from taxes.
SUBSISTENCE CRISIS: The population of France also increased from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789. Food grains were now in great demand. Price of bread shot up. Wages did not keep pace with rising prices. This led to subsistence crisis.
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS: Long years of war had drained the financial resources of France. France had a debt of more than 2 billion livres. To meet its regular expenses, such as the cost of maintaining an army, the court, running government offices or universities, the state was forced to increase taxes.
STRONG MIDDLE CLASS: The middle class emerged educated and wealthy during the eighteenth century. They believed that no group in society should be given privileges by birth. Ideas of equality and freedom were put forward by philosophers. The ideas of these philosophers were discussed intensively in salons and coffee houses and spread among people.
Immediate Causes: On 5 may, 1789, Louis XVI called together an assembly of Estates General to pass proposals for new taxes. Third estates protested against this proposal but as each estate have one vote, the king rejected this appeal. They walked out of the assembly.