Causes of the 1789 French Revolution

This is an academic discussion aimed in assisting students in answering t A-level examination

Before we deliberate on the causes of the French revolution ponder on the following questions.

1. “The nature of the Ancient Regime was primary responsible outbreak of 1789 French Revolution. Discuss.
2. To what extent was the character of King Louis XVI responsible for the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution?
3. To what extent was the American war of independence, 1776-1783 responsible for the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution?
4. To what extent was the calling of The Estates General meeting of May 5, 1789 responsible for the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution?
5. Assess the role of the calling of the May 5, 1789 Estate General Meeting in the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution.
6. “The bankruptcy of the French Monarchy was primarily responsible the outbreak of French Revolution of 1789”. Discuss.
7. To what extent were the Clergy responsible for the outbreak of the French revolution of 1789?
8. To what extent was the Nobility responsible for the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution?
9. Assess the role of the peasants in the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution.
10. To what extent was the Bourgeoisies responsible for the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution
11. Assess the role of Marie Antoinette in the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution.

Note

1. When answering these questions, we state those causes directly related the question first and then give other cause of the revolution
2. The causes are similar to all revolutions i.e. dissatisfaction of the majority; only the personalities involved, and time differ.

Although scholarly debate continues about the exact causes of the Revolution, the following reasons are commonly adduced:

1. Contribution of the nature of Ancient Regime (Bourbon Monarchy) to the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution

The Ancient Regime, particularly under the Bourbon Monarchy, played a significant role in the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution. Here are some key contributions:

• Absolutist Rule: The Bourbon Monarchy, especially under Louis XVI, maintained absolute power, with the king having centralized control over the state. This lack of political freedom and representation fueled revolutionary sentiments
• The ancient regime had no function constitution. This made it hard to promote accountability, checks and balance in the administration
• Economic Strain: The monarchy’s extravagant spending, costly wars, and inefficient tax system placed a heavy burden on the common people, leading to widespread economic hardship.
• Social Inequality: The Ancient Regime was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy with the First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), and Third Estate (commoners). The Third Estate, which made up the majority of the population, faced heavy taxation and had little political power, leading to social discontent.
• Lack of fair judicial system. The unfair trials and punishment cause frustration and resentment of the regime by the population.
• Corruption and Mismanagement: The administration was rife with corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency, which eroded public trust in the monarchy and its ability to govern effectively.
• Enlightenment Ideas: The spread of Enlightenment ideas challenged the traditional authority of the monarchy and promoted concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspiring revolutionary thought.
• Financial Crisis: The monarchy’s financial crisis, exacerbated by the American Revolutionary War, led to increased taxation and economic reforms that were unpopular with the populace.
• Boredom: the Bourbon Monarchy has ruled France for a long-time causing boredom and making peasants yearning for change.
• Static attitudes: the Bourbon Monarchy failed to respond to prevailing civilizations and people’s needs.
• Incompetent leadership: lack of responsive leadership sparked discontentment of the general population

2. The contributions of the character of King Louis XVI to the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution.

Louis XVI (born August 23, 1754, Versailles, France—died January 21, 1793, Paris) was the last King of France (1774–92) in the line of Bourbon monarchs preceding the French of 1789. At that time, he took to the throne was still immature and lacked in self-confidence. The monarchy was abolished on September 21, 1792; later Louis and his queen consort, Marie – Antoinette, were guillotined on charges of counterrevolution.

King Louis XVI played a significant role in the outbreak of the French Revolution due to several factors:

• King Louis XVI was immature and politically inexperienced. The King did not know what to do, why and how. This undermined the trust of his subjects and therefore decided stage the revolution
• King Louis XVI’s Insensitivity to the suffering of his subject due to famine and starvation in 1778: the failure of the king to provide food to the starving masses made him unpopular and made the third-class population to collaborate with the middle class to stage the Revolution.
• Financial Mismanagement: Louis XVI inherited a kingdom burdened with debt from previous wars and extravagant spending. His inability to effectively manage the financial crisis led to increased taxes and economic hardship for the common people. The dismissal of the reformist ministers such as Robert Jacques Turgot is 1776 curtailed the King’s popularity.
• Ineffective Reforms: Although Louis XVI attempted some reforms, such as convening the Estates-General in 1789 to address the financial crisis, his indecisiveness and lack of strong leadership failed to resolve the issues.
• Failure to Compromise: Louis XVI’s reluctance to compromise with the growing demands for political and social change alienated many of his subjects. His attempts to maintain absolute power and resist the push for a constitutional monarchy further fueled revolutionary sentiments.
• Foreign Intervention: Louis XVI’s requests for foreign intervention to suppress the revolution and restore his authority were seen as a threat to national sovereignty, leading to increased resistance from the revolutionaries.
• Public Perception: The king’s perceived detachment from the struggles of the common people, along with his association with the unpopular Queen Marie Antoinette, contributed to his unpopularity and the loss of public support.
• Marriage to incompetent wife: Marie –Antoinette he married was immature and inexperience to offer the necessary advice to the King.
• King Louis XVI failed to control his army: the resentment of unruly army fueled the 1789 French Revolution
• Neglect of duty: King Louis XVI neglected state affairs and kept himself in the secluded in the royal palace at Versailles which made him unpopular leading the Revolution.
• Freedom of press: King Louis XVI allowed some degree of freedom to the press which fueled the propaganda against the Ancient Regime.

3. The Influence of the American war of independence, 1776-1783 to the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution

The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was an armed conflict that in which Americans fought and gained independence from British Colonial rule resulting in the formation of United States of America.

This American War of Independence (1776-1783) had a significant impact on the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. Here are some keyways in which it contributed:

• Economic Strain: France’s involvement in the American Revolution significantly increased its national debt. The cost of supporting the American colonies financially and militarily strained the French economy, leading to increased taxation and economic hardship for the French people which made the Ancient Regime unpopular.
• Ideological Influence: The success of the American Revolution demonstrated that a revolt against a powerful monarchy could be successful. This inspired French revolutionaries and provided a model for challenging the existing political order.
• Enlightenment Ideas: The American Revolution was driven by Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. These ideas spread to France and influenced the revolutionary leaders, who sought to apply them in their own struggle for political and social reform.
• Military Experience: French soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, such as the Marquis de Lafayette, returned to France with first-hand experience in revolutionary warfare and ideas. This experience and knowledge were instrumental in the French revolutionary movement.

• Political Discontent: The American Revolution highlighted the potential for change and the possibility of overthrowing an oppressive regime. This encouraged the French population to demand similar changes in their own country.
• American advocates: After the American Revolutionary ware some Americans such as Thomas Jefferson went to France and advised French People to demand for constitutional monarchy similar to that of Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson became an ardent supporter of the revolution and allowed his resident to be used as a meeting ground by the revolutionary rebels.

4. The role of Estate General Meeting on May 5, 1789, in the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution.

The Estate General Meeting was summoned by King Louis XVI to address the severe financial crisis and widespread social unrest in France. The assembly was composed of representatives from the three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate). But instead, of the meeting being about taxes and money, it ended in demands and protests of the third Estate for power and fair representation which sparked the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution.

The meeting of the Estates-General on May 5, 1789, led to the outbreak of the French Revolution in the following ways

• Representation Issues: The Estates-General was composed of three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners (Third Estate). The Third Estate, representing the vast majority of the population, was often outvoted by the other two estates, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
• Financial Crisis: King Louis XVI convened the Estates-General to address the severe financial crisis facing France. The Third Estate demanded more representation and a fairer tax system, but their requests were largely ignored.
• Formation of the National Assembly: Frustrated by the lack of progress, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly on June 17, 1789, asserting that it represented the people of France. This bold move marked the beginning of the revolution.
• Tennis Court Oath: After being locked out of their meeting hall, the members of the Third Estate, joined by some members of the clergy and nobility, took the Tennis Court Oath on June 20, 1789, pledging not to disband until a new constitution was established.
• Symbolic Start: The opening of the Estates-General on May 5, 1789, is often considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution, as it highlighted the deep divisions and grievances within French society.

5. The Role the bankruptcy of the French Monarchy in outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution

The bankruptcy of the French monarchy played a crucial role in the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution. Here are some key points:

• Severe Financial Crisis: By the late 1780s, France was in a dire financial situation due to years of war, including the American Revolutionary War, and extravagant spending by the royal family. The national debt had reached unsustainable levels, and the monarchy struggled to raise funds to sustain its administration.
• Taxation Issues: The bankruptcy of the monarchy necessitated a radical tax system. Unfortunately, the French tax system was highly regressive, with the burden falling disproportionately on the common people (Third Estate) while the nobility and clergy (First and Second Estates) were largely exempt. This unfair taxation system fuelled resentment and anger among the populace.
• Failed Reforms: Efforts to reform the tax system, such as those proposed by Controller-General Charles Alexandre de Calonne, were met with resistance from the privileged estates. The failure to implement effective financial reforms exacerbated the crisis.
• Public Unrest: The economic hardship, combined with widespread famine and food shortages, led to increased public unrest. Riots, protests, and strikes became more frequent as people demanded relief from their suffering.
• Call for the Estates-General: The financial hardship of the monarchy forced King Louis XVI called for a meeting of the Estates-General in May 1789 to address the crisis. Regrettably, the third Estate took advantage of the meeting instead to make their own demand for more representation and fairer taxation leading to the outbreak of the revolution.
• Failure to pay the debts: due to the financial crisis the monarchy borrowed and failed to pay back to the middle class. These middle-class people turned against the monarchy and fueled the revolution.
• Failure of the Ancient regime to provide basic needs to the population: due to the bankruptcy, the monarchy failed to provide food the third Estate causing resentment and hence fueling the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution.

6. How the Clergy was responsible for the outbreak of the French revolution of 1789

The First Estate comprised the clergy, including priests who managed the Catholic Church and certain governmental functions. Though only 0.5 percent of the population, the clergy had many privileges; for instance, controlled about 15 percent of French lands; they performed many essential public functions—running schools, keeping records of vital statistics, and dispensing relief to the poor and imposes a 10% tax called the tithe.

The clergy, as part of the First Estate, played a significant role in the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution:

• Economic Privilege: The clergy controlled about 10% of the land in France and were exempt from taxes, which created resentment among the heavily taxed commoners (Third Estate).
• Social Inequality: The First Estate was a small, privileged class that held significant power and wealth, contributing to the social inequalities that fueled revolutionary sentiments.
• Divisions within the Clergy: The lower clergy, who were often from the Third Estate, resented the wealth and privileges of the higher clergy, leading to internal divisions within the First Estate.
• Tithe and Taxation: The clergy’s imposition of the tithe, a 10% tax on agricultural produce, was deeply unpopular among peasants and contributed to their dissatisfaction with the Ancient Regime.
• Enlightenment Criticism: Enlightenment thinkers criticized the Church for its power and influence, which further eroded its authority and contributed to revolutionary ideas.
• Unfair Trial and imprisonment: The upper clergy owned their courts of law in which they unfairly tried and imprisoned of the third-class causing resentment that fuelled  the revolution
• The clergy opposed the financial reforms proposed by Jacques Necker and Robert Jacques Turgot: these were met to reduce government expenditure and privileges of the First Estate. This opposition annoyed the Third Estate and resulted into storming of the Bastille and outbreak of the French Revolution.
• The clergy frustrated the May 5, 1789, Estate General Meeting: this frustrated the Third Estate and rioted against the First Estate causing the outbreak of the Revolution.
• The clergy-controlled press: they censored the news publication and other literature which angered the liberal-minded middle-class members.
• Religious intolerance: The catholic religion was official religion, and other religious sects were restricted. Lack of freedom of worship made the non-Catholics to hate the government and hence the rebellion.
• Education discrimination: the Catholic Church controlled schools. These discriminated and annoyed the third class.
• Corruption: the clergy was corrupt which cause acute financial crisis and destabilized the monarchy.

 

7. How the Nobility caused the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution

In 1789, the French nobility, or the Second Estate, was a small but powerful social class. Here are some key points about them:

• Population: The nobility numbered around 140,000 individuals, which was about 0.5% of the total population of France at the time.
• Privileges: The nobility enjoyed significant privileges, including exemption from many taxes, exclusive rights to certain positions, and control over large estates.
• Hierarchy: Within the nobility, there were distinctions between the “nobility of the sword” (old feudal nobility) and the “nobility of the robe” (nobles who purchased their titles or offices).
• Economic Power: The nobility owned about one-fifth of the land in France, giving them substantial economic influence.
• Political Influence: Despite their small numbers, the nobility held considerable political power and were often resistant to reforms that threatened their privileges.

The nobility, as part of the Second Estate, played a significant role in the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution due to several factors:

• Privileges and Tax Exemptions: The nobility enjoyed numerous privileges, including exemption from many taxes. This created a sense of injustice and resentment among the common people (Third Estate), who bore the brunt of taxation.
• Economic Discontent: The economic policies of the monarchy, which favored the nobility, led to widespread economic hardship for the common people. The nobility’s resistance to financial reforms proposed by the monarchy further exacerbated the situation.
• Social Inequality: The rigid social hierarchy, with the nobility at the top, contributed to social tensions. The nobility’s control over land and resources, along with their political influence, created a system that many found oppressive and unfair.
• Resistance to Change: The nobility was often resistant to any reforms that threatened their privileges and status. This resistance to change and modernization contributed to the growing revolutionary sentiment among the common people.
• Political Power: The nobility’s significant political power and influence within the Estates-General and other institutions of the Ancient Regime made it difficult to implement necessary reforms. The Third Estate’s demand for more representation and a fairer tax system was met with resistance from the nobility.
• Corruption: the Nobility was corrupt which cause acute financial crisis and destabilized the monarchy.
• Arrogance: the nobility mistreated and discriminated against the peasant which angered them.
• The noble connived with the clergy to frustrate the May 5, 1789 Estate General Meeting: this upset the Third Estate leading to riot and outbreak of the Revolution.
• The noble and clergy opposed the financial reforms proposed by Jacques Necker and Robert Jacques Turgot: these were met to reduce government expenditure and alleviate the financial crisis. This opposition annoyed the Third Estate and resulted into storming of the Bastille and outbreak of the French Revolution.

 

8. The role of the peasants in the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution

The peasants or the commoners comprised the Third Estate consisting of the majority of the people by the time of the 1789 French Revolution. The dissatisfaction of these people lead to the outbreak of the revolution as described below:

• Economic Hardship: Peasants faced severe economic challenges, including high taxes, rising food prices, and poor harvests. These hardships led to widespread discontent and anger towards the feudal system.
• Rapid Population Growth: The population of France had grown significantly, leading to increased competition for resources and land. This put additional pressure on peasants, who struggled to make a living.
• Feudal Oppression: Peasants were subject to feudal dues and obligations, which they found oppressive and unfair. The demands of the nobility and clergy added to their financial burden.
• Calls for Modernization: The Physiocrats, a group of economic thinkers, called for modernization of agriculture and the abolition of feudal privileges. This influenced peasant demands for change.
• Active Participation: Peasants actively participated in revolutionary activities, such as the storming of the Bastille and the Great Fear, a period of rural unrest in 1789. Their actions were instrumental in the early stages of the revolution.
• Forced labour: the peasants were subjected to forced labour to work on bridges and roads and this caused their resentment of the Ancient Regime.
• Lack of land: peasants lacked land and joined the revolution in hope of getting land.
• Discrimination in the education system: Peasants were discriminated against in the education sector and this limited their opportunities in government. The aggrieved peasant joined the Revolution in hope of getting access to education.
• Discrimination in the army: soldiers from peasantry origin were not promoted in the army and received low payment. This discrimination angered these soldiers and prompted them to join the revolution.
• Unfair judicial system: the peasants were victims of “Lettre de catchet” and often imprisoned without warrant. This annoyed the peasant and joined the Revolution in order to fight it.

9. The extent to which the Bourgeoisies was responsible for the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution

The bourgeoisie, or the middle class of merchants, manufacturers, and professionals, played a significant role in the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution as follows:

• Economic Power: The bourgeoisie had gained significant economic power but were excluded from political power. This exclusion led to a desire for political influence consistent with their economic status.
• Enlightenment Ideas: Many members of the bourgeoisie were influenced by Enlightenment ideas, which emphasized reason, individual rights, and the importance of political participation.
• Political Activism: The bourgeoisie actively participated in political clubs and assemblies, such as the Third Estate, which represented the common people. Their involvement in these groups helped to organize and lead revolutionary activities.
• Milice Bourgeoise: During the early stages of the revolution, the bourgeoisie formed militias to combat perceived lower-class disorder and to assert control over the central uprisings. These militias played a crucial role in the storming of the Bastille and other revolutionary actions.
• Leadership Role: The bourgeoisie provided leadership and direction to the revolutionary movement, helping to shape the new political order that emerged from the revolution.
• Unfair taxation: the bourgeoisie felt unfairly taxed and were not protected from high competition from British commodities. This angered and forced them to join the revolution.
• The middle class owed lot money to the Ancient Regime. The failure of the government to pay back this money, compelled the bourgeoisie to fight the monarchy for better economy.
• The middle class funded the revolution
• The bourgeoisie attacked the monarchy because of lack of freedom of worship
• The bourgeoisie attacked the Ancient Regime because of lack transparence in the judicial system
• The bourgeoisie supported the revolution due to lack of freedom of expression and press.

 

10. The role of Marie Antoinette in the outbreak of 1789 French Revolution

Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France and wife of King Louis XVI, played a significant role in the outbreak of the French Revolution in the following ways:

• Extravagant Spending: Marie Antoinette was known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, which included costly fashion, gambling, and the renovation of the Petit Trianon. Her spending habits earned her the nickname “Madame Deficit” and contributed to the financial crisis in France.
• Public Perception: As a foreigner from Austria, Marie Antoinette was unpopular with many French people. Her perceived indifference to the suffering of the common people and her association with the unpopular monarchy further fueled revolutionary sentiments.
• Political Influence: Marie Antoinette’s influence over King Louis XVI was seen as a hindrance to necessary reforms. Her resistance to change and her support for conservative policies alienated many revolutionaries.
• Scandals: Marie Antoinette was involved in several scandals, including the Diamond Necklace Affair, which damaged the monarchy’s reputation and contributed to public distrust.
• Symbol of the Monarchy: As the queen, Marie Antoinette became a symbol of the excesses and corruption of the monarchy. This caused her resentment and that of the monarchy.
• Arrogance: the Queen Marie Antoinette was very arrogant and her sarcastic remarks such as “If you cannot afford bread then buy cakes” angered the peasants and prompted them to punish her.

11. The influence of philosophers and encyclopedists (great thinkers) to the outbreak of 1789 French revolution

The philosophers and encyclopedists of the Enlightenment had a profound influence on the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution. Their ideas challenged traditional authority and promoted concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. These ideas inspired the revolutionary spirit in the following ways:

• Montesquieu: His work “The Spirit of the Laws” advocated for the separation of powers in government, which influenced revolutionary ideas about checks and balances.
• Voltaire: A strong advocate for freedom of speech and religious tolerance, Voltaire’s criticisms of the Church and the monarchy inspired revolutionary thought.
• Rousseau: In “The Social Contract,” Rousseau argued for popular sovereignty and the idea that government should be based on the general will of the people.
• Diderot: As a co-editor of the “Encyclopédie,” Diderot helped spread Enlightenment ideas by compiling and disseminating knowledge on a wide range of subjects.
• Physiocrats: This group of economic thinkers, including Quesnay, promoted the idea of laissez-faire economics and criticized the existing economic policies of the monarchy.

12. Influence of the unfair taxation to the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution

Unfair taxation was a major factor that contributed to the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution. Here are some key points:

• Tax Burden on the Third Estate: The common people, or the Third Estate, bore the brunt of taxation while the nobility (Second Estate) and clergy (First Estate) were largely exempt. This created a sense of injustice and resentment among the commoners.
• Economic Hardship: High taxes, combined with rising food prices and poor harvests, led to widespread economic hardship. Many peasants struggled to pay their taxes and provide for their families, leading to increased discontent.
• Calls for Reform: The unfair taxation system was a major point of contention during the Estates-General meeting in 1789. The Third Estate demanded fairer taxation and greater political representation, which were key issues that fuelled revolutionary sentiments.
• Symbol of Inequality: The taxation system symbolized the broader social and economic inequalities of the Ancient Regime. The unfair distribution of the tax burden highlighted the need for systemic change and contributed to the revolutionary fervor.
• The tax collectors were corrupt that little collections end up in the central bag which caused the monarchy financial crisis and inability to manage the affairs of the monarchy.
• Harsh collection of taxes: the taxes were harshly collected causing resentment of commoners towards the government.

13. Influence of the Great Britain to the outbreak of the 1789 French revolution

Great Britain’s influence on the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution was primarily indirect but significant. Here are some key points:

• Economic Competition: Great Britain was a major economic rival of France, and the competition for colonial resources and trade routes created economic tensions. France’s financial struggles were partly due to its attempts to keep up with British economic power.
• American Revolutionary War: France’s involvement in the American Revolutionary War (1776-1783) strained its finances and contributed to the economic crisis that led to the revolution. The war was partly a response to British dominance and a way for France to weaken its rival.
• Ideological Influence: Enlightenment ideas, which were influential in both France and Britain, promoted concepts of liberty, equality, and democracy. These ideas inspired revolutionary thought in France.
• Political Rivalry: The political rivalry between France and Great Britain also played a role. The French monarchy’s attempts to counter British influence and maintain its own power contributed to the internal unrest that led to the revolution.
• The French admired the freedom of worship Britain and constitution monarch of Britain. Hence got involved in the rebellions to achieve the same status.

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Dr, Bbosa Science