The Three Phases of the French Revolution

The angry and easily manipulated peasants, who were used by the bourgeoisie for their own benefit were another significant change, and finally the decline of the traditional monarchy, that for so long had ruled, were all factors to the main point that the French Revolution was caused by a political base, with social disorder and economic instability contributing to the upheaval. All of the sub-factors relate with one-another, but are separate in their own ways. For centuries, the French noble was well set in society. He found prosperity and security in the old regime, and all he had to do was pay homage to the king, and provide the king with his services. This all came to a gradual stop, however beginning with the loss of the noble's power over their own land at the hands of Louis XIV.1 This was the foundation of the revolte nobiliaire in the fact that it formed a basis of mistrust, and anger for the monarch.2 In that time the feudal system was still being practiced, so social status was based on the amount of land you could attain.

Contributing to the final outcome, many diverse factors played significant parts. The highly conflicted estate system combined with the unfortunate financial outcomes of a weak monarch producing an imbalanced society with constant bickering. As the manufacturing depression compiled with the enlightenment, the revolutionary action was ignited. Finally, when a financial reform did take place, due to the nobility’s refusal to corporate led to an even larger financial disaster. As all of these factors came together, the end-result was The French Revolution.

Meanwhile, the first two estates were given a free pass despite their great wealth (Doc... ... middle of paper ... ...in great debt after the French and Indian War and corruption of the monarch and nobility. This led to a crisis over taxation, and the king started abusing his power by specifically only taxing the third estate, the poorest segment of the population. Matters slowly became worse with the economic depression. Decreased economic activity and the agricultural revolution caused many people to loose jobs and go hungry. People were already angry about taxes, and the lack of food and work only aroused the people even more.

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political turmoil in France from 1789 to 1799 that greatly affected the French and modern history, marking the steady decline of powerful monarchies and the rise of democracy and nationalism. The trigger for the revolution was the autocratic government of the King, Louis XVI. With absolute power over the people, the King could make all laws, appoint government officials, wage war on whomever he pleased, and imprison anyone he wished. As a consequence the majority of the citizens became disgruntled and disillusioned with the state and problems that came about which later played a part in causing the revolution. The French revolution was attributed to a number of factors which are identified and discussed below.

It made the people realize what they wanted France to be, eventually causing them to revolt against the government make France a republic. It is evident that these three reasons are the main causes that led to the French revolution and the downfall of the French monarchial system. The ineffectiveness of the King Louis and Marie Antoinette being the main reason since it was because of it that led to the dissatisfaction of the peasants, which led them to seeking better systems and laws in the Enlightenment. It was all these reasons combined together that ultimately led to the destruction of the old regime and the French Revolution.

Enlightenment writers and philosophers would question the old order and write about new political systems and a society where everyone would have equal amounts of power. Because of this, ... ... middle of paper ... ... Soon, King Louis XV had bankrupted the national treasury of France and had left the country in debt. By this time, the monarchs were being frowned upon, so when France was passed onto Louis XVI, people judged him quickly and deemed him a bad king who did not know how to deal with the country’s affairs. The people of France were tired of having kings who repeatedly ignored their problems and needs and were turning against the idea of absolutism, making it one cause of the French Revolution.

Caricature Paper Jacques-Louis David: Gouvernement Anglois (The English Government) Introduction: As one can expect from the very nature of political and social revolutions, there were some very unhappy people during the French revolution. The question here is why the French citizens of this time so upset were and was their discontent so great that a revolution could be justified? Furthermore, who and what will be the ultimate vehicle to bring the necessary political, social and economic dreams to realization? The French Revolution in began in 1789 and ended in 1799, this was a time in which democrats and republicans overthrew the absolute monarchy and the Roman Catholic Church was forced to make drastic changes (Doyle, 1999). The French Revolution ended an archaic social and political system established in France characterised by a feudal system under the control of a powerful absolute monarchy and the unquestioned power of the Catholic Church (Slevin, 2003).

During the late 18th century, the French Revolution took place which completely changed France. French society was in it's worse condition with poverty, unfair systems both socially and politically, and economic declines. The third estate became overwhelmingly unsatisfied of the unfair laws and the privileged classes. With economic failures, the monarch began to tax harshly to the third estate which brought rage among the third estate. From then on powerful and effective actions were taken to rebel against the French government.

The poor created their uprising over the lack of food and basic life necessities. Additionally, the nobles and clergy protested over land rights and taxes. Another element that distinguishes the French Revolution was that many of the French nobles became disgruntled with the events in France and left to become mercenaries assisting others throughout Europe to over-throw the ruling monarchs in other countries. The storming of the Bastille in July of 1789, led to a series of events t... ... middle of paper ... ...tter human rights in France. Additionally, due to the Napoleonic Wars, the revolution redefined the borders of Europe.

When Louis XVI came to be King, he inherited a France in debt, and he was left with no choice but to raise taxes even though they were already high enough. This had made the people of France very angry. Paris had become furious and chose to make a big scene. This was also one of the causes of the French Revolution. Some believe that the MAIN reason for the Revolution was all based on, Louis, being too young and inexperienced to run an ENTIRE country by himself.