The French Revolution: The Causes

Causes of the French Revolution

Rather than simple disloyalty to the king, many different causes contributed to the downfall of the ancien régime. Throughout the 18th century, the development of Enlightenment thought led to increasing criticism of absolute monarchy and an interest in republican ideas. Literature by such writers as Voltaire, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau critiqued the monarchy and the Catholic Church and examined democratic forms of government. Enlightenment writings were widely discussed in France, and they even played a role in the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1776.

Second, a financial crisis contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution. France's heavy military aid during the American Revolution resulted in a national debt of approximately four billion livres in 1789. The country could not afford to meet its loan payments and it could not obtain more credit.

Third, compounding the financial crisis, a long cycle of industrial depression had been in effect since 1770. Some 50% of people in urban areas were unemployed. Successive bad harvests, especially in 1788, made the situation even worse. The most populated country in Europe could not feed itself. Starving commoners could not afford to buy bread, and food shortages contributed to bread riots, burning, and looting.

Fourth, members of the lower classes began to realize their lack of power in the government. The peasants, already burdened by the food shortages, were increasingly aware of the injustice of the feudal system, whereby the nobles enriched themselves through the toil and taxes of the commoners. Moreover, a relatively wealthy portion of the Third Estate, the members of the growing bourgeoisie, resented their exclusion from political power.

The social unrest and mounting financial problems led Louis XVI to call a meeting of the Estates-General for the first time since 1614.

Causes of French Revolution

Political/ Social- France still practised feudalism in the 18th century. The nobles and clergy enjoyed special privileges. They did not have to pay taxes. The common people did not have power and freedom in politics. They worked hard and had to pay heavy taxes. The nobles and clergy made up the First and Second Estates in the Estates General. The common people made up the Third Estate. The nobles and clergy could outvote the common people easily though the Estates General was always not called by the king, who ruled as an absolute monarch. The common people became discontented with the privileged classes.
Governmentt Bankruptcy- Louis XIV had spent too much. His successors did not cut down expenses. Louis XVI also failed to improve the financial situation. He dismissed ministers who tried to introduce financial reforms. By 1789, the government was bankrupt.
The Beginning- When Louis XVI finally called the Estates General to solve financial difficulties, the Third Estate did not agree with the unfair system of the Estates General. They formed the National Assembly to make a constitution. People were afraid that the king would suppress the National Assembly. They were also discontented that the king dismissed Necker, the popular Finance Minister. The hungry Parisians, who suffered from bad harvest, burst out their anger by attacking the Bastille prison (for political prisoners). The Fall of Bastille was known to be one of the greatest causes towards the beginning of the French Revolution. It spread out to other parts of France.

How France Was Effected

Excerpts from Cesare- Social- If crime is prevented with the system, crime will not be commited as much, but if this is ineffective then crime will be committed more due to lesser penalties. Also, people won't be tagged as "Criminals" unless they are proven that.
Political- The government needs to have a legislation to have trials and prove that one is guilty
Economical- Money needs to go towards legislation. Also, less crimes being commit meaning less robbery or possible crimes to effect economy
Cultural- Society will become more polished and everyone will have a fair shot at being viewed as a decent human beings due to the trial system. One needs to be proven as a criminal

Third Estate- Social- People under Third Estate are classified as lower class and are not at the same social class and the First or Second Estate
Political- First and Second estates over power Third estate and also government taxes Third estate freely
Economical- Third estate is mainly agricultural and has a supplier and consumer method going with brokers and merchants.
Cultural- Different classes means different ways of life. The upper classes will obviously live better lifes than those of the Third Estate because they are wealthier and viewed as higher.

France is on the Upswing

France is becoming more open. People are beginning to show new colors in their personalitites. New ideas are spreading, I know because I hear people showing excitement towards reform. All aspects are beginning to change. Science is now a town favorite. I look around at night and find people gazing into the sky with an open mouth. Even I find my mind drifting into a new world of thought. The other day, I heard about a new device called a telescope which shows new surreal views of the heavens. In time I feel education as well will become strong. Education is in higher demand for people now want to learn about the latest findings in philosophy and the heavens. In time I hope to learn more about anatomy and philosophy. I will keep my journal posted with my latest findings in education.

-Unanimous

I Think Therefore I Am

When will the times learn. Philosophy of today is rigid and has no foundation. I have reflected deeply in regards to the mentalities of today. People must learn the proper ways. Divine right and the thought of selection is to overpowering. God is free in his own actions and the people whom he chooses to rule. There is no thought in his selection, he just chooses with freedom. Being both a mathematician and philosopher, both skills have helped me realize the rough edges of our times. I am beginning to strain western thought with my reflections on the human mind and mechanism. People are realizing that changes must mentaly be made. People are unaware of what triggers our actions today. I have come to the conclusion that "emotions" must be controlled willingly by the people whom display is irrationally. Time are changing and I believe I am very much contributing.

-Descartes

Checks and Balances

I believe that France needs to form its government into a system of checks and balances. They cant have an Absolute ruler anymore, its not working out. They are going to war and going into debt. They are being persecuted religiously due to the rulers beliefs. They need different branches in the government in order to keep the power spread out. That way no one will get drunk with power.

-Montesqieu

My View of France

My desire to strive for the truth is most evident through the corrections I have made to my own claims and to the fact that I continually reshaped my thoughts on the human body. Through attention to detail, I found I was able to provide clear descriptions and unprecedented anatomical drawings. This same truth and ability to correct and reform can be brought to the governments or monarchs of a country such as France. I feel that France over the years has been able to reform its religions and governments in such a way that balance and fairness will eventually be achieved. France's attempts to find truth and balance in its rule and way of life are the way I feel a country should handle itself. I respect France for its efforts.



Yours Truly,
Vesalius