There were many factors that contributed to the French Revolution.
First of all was the greatest percent of the population, the commoners, had theleast amount of power and land. This laid the foundation for social unrestwhich is necessary for a revolution. Second, the French economy was very weakdue to France’s involvement in the American Revolution. In addition to theeconomic problems that the American Revolution caused, it also put Enlightenmentideas into the minds of the French people. Last, weak leadership was providedunder Louis XVI. He called the Estates General into session to raise taxes topay debts incurred due to the American Revolution. Once in session, the ThirdEstate, the commoners, demanded a representative National Assembly and aConstitution. When Louis XVI denied their request, they sat on the tennis courtand swore not to leave until their demands were met. This is known as the”Tennis Court Oath.” This stalemate was broken by the storming of the Bastille(a debtor’s prison) on July 14, 1789. Louis XVI agreed to their demands.
This revolution resulted in the end of the old paradigm and thebeginning of the Enlightenment paradigm. The Declaration of the Rights of Manand the Constitution of 1791 were written. Some of these changes includefreedom of speech , due process under law, equality under law. It also enabledthe creation of a laissez-fairre economic policy, with a free market and freetrade.
I believe that this revolution was inevitable due to the conditions thatthe majority of the population was living under. It will also have a lastingimpact because the Constitution will protect these rights. Category: Business
