Summary of French Revolution Essay Example

There are many factors that led to the political and socioeconomic upheaval of the French Revolution. The ancien regime had an old aristocratic order. The aristocratic order succumbed to the ambitions of the rising bourgeoisie. The attempts at political and economic reform by many groups along with the movements of the wage-earning classes in Paris and the peasantry played a crucial role in the French Revolution.Many features of the ancien regime have contributed to the beginning of the French Revolution.

At that time the economic situation became poor. The national debt also became unmanageable. Both of these were caused aggravated by the grossly inequitable system of taxation. Also, Louis XVI indulged in massive spending.

The economic situation also became unstable because of the many wars of the 18th century. There was widespread opposition against royal absolutism. People wanted liberty and republicanism.The peasants, wage-earners and the bourgeoisie opposed manorialism. There was rise of Enlightenment ideals.

Other causes include scarcity of food in the months immediately before the revolution. There was high unemployment and to make the situation worse, the bread prices were high. So, purchasing food also became very difficult. There was opposition of noble privilege. People also resented religious intolerance.

Louis XVI failed in dealing with these problems and as a result the French Revolution took place.