French Revolution Notes
What is the French Revolution?
The French Revolution started in 1789, and dethroned the then existing political
institutions, removed the French Monarchy, and cemented a just, responsible
government. The siege of Bastille on 14 July 1789 led to the France revolution. It ended
with Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power.
What Were the Causes of the French Revolution?
When it comes to the French Revolution notes, the very first step is to understand the
reason that led to the revolt. Enlisted are the major reasons for the start of the
revolution.
Social Causes (State of French Society in the 18th century)
Social causes were majorly because of the way the common people were bifurcated
into different categories based on their earnings and classes. The French society was
divided into 3 estates:
● The first estate consisted of the clergy class. These people were exempted from
paying any taxes.
● The second estate consisted of the nobilities. On top of being exempted from
taxes, they also enjoyed favourable feudal laws and privileges. One of those
privileges was feudal dues extracted from the peasants.
● The third estate consisted of the majority of the population. It comprised big
businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, servants, and labourers. The third
estate was oppressed with Taille taxes levied on essential daily items like salt
and tobacco.
Economic Cause (Fight for survival)
The next point in the French Revolution notes is related to the economic causes that led
to the beginning of the revolt.
● An overbearing population rise in France was one of the major causes of the
French Revolution. The population grew from 23 million to 28 million in 1789. The
increment in daily essentials was not met, breaking the society.
● The labour class was employed on fixed wages, which remained the same
through inflation of prices. On top of it, the third estate had to meet three different
taxes and feudal dues.
