CAUSES OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

In 1789-1799, it's a period of time where French Revolution happens. It all starts from
the year 1770, in France there is a political system called Old Regime. That system divides the
people into 3 classes, consisting of The First (Privileged) Estates, the Second Estate, and the
Third Estate. Not all the level of the estate has the same right. The enlightenment ideas,
suggested that there should be a change of the society classes. This idea is inspire from the
American Revolution over the British. Yet during that time France was in great debt, because of
the decline in economy issue. While there are so many problems arousing, the weak leader
couldn't do any better. So the country remains in the problem.

The Old Regime is the social and political system in France long time ago. This system is
divided into 3 estates, which are consisting of The First, Second, and Third Estates. Now I will
talk in depth about each estate. The First Estate also known as the Privileged Estate is the highest
among the three. They are the estate that can have access to all the decision making process, yet
they dont even have to pay tax to the country. They are made up of the clergy in the Catholic
Church. The Second Estate is among the rich people or high class people. They are the smallest
group of the other three. They also dont have to pay tax same as the first estate and they own a
lot of land in France as well. The largest of all estate are the Third Estate consisting of the low-
class people, farmer, or slave. They are given no right to make decision at all. They also have to
pay high tax to the office. The Third Estate is unhappy because they have no freedom and
equality in the society. They are treated unequally compare to other estate. The Third Estate is
also inspired by the Enlightenment Ideas, wanting fairness for all. Not just that France also face
economic problem.
In the year of 1780, France economy have decline rapidly. It affects all merchant and
customer in the country. The merchant make lesser profit in their business, making it tough for
them. As well as the customer, they cant afford higher price in the product. Another worst factor
is bad weather, which result in failure in growing crops. It has double the price of the crop, so
people faced shortage in food. In 1770-1780, France also supports the American to fight against
the Great Britain. They borrow lots of money to pay for war that lead France to great debt. King
Louis XVI and her wife also spend money without making good plan plus the old debt from the
previous kings lead to severe debt. While France faced many problems, the leader can even do
any better at all.
King Louis XVI is a very weak leader who cant solve any of the main problems that
France is facing. He makes the situation even more worst. Instead of cutting the expense, he
decided to charge tax from the First and Second Estate. He also didnt listen to the government
adviser at all, making the situation worst. In the other hand, Queen Marie Antoinette didnt even
notice any important in solving problem yet keep on wasting money on her own stuff. She is also
disliked by the French because she cant even make a good advice to assist King Louis XVI in
solving the problem.
In conclusion, France faces many problems during 1770-1780. It makes France weaker
than it used to be. Some of the main problems unsolved are the weak leader, the conflict between
the estate, and lacking oneness. Almost everyone have their own ideas that contradict one
another.