The French Revolution of 1789 was the movement against centuries old despotic kingship and feudal order in France. The aim of the Revolution was to rebuild France on the basis of the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The following are the causes for the Revolution.

i) Despotic rule of kings: 

It was the despotic misrule of the Bourbon kings who ruled France in the 17^th and 18^th centuries that led mainly, to the revolution. These kings believed in the divine right of kingship. Louis XIV who ruled France in the 17^th centuiy said: ‘I am the state’.

He also said ‘God has given power to the king over his subjects and only God has the authority to question him’. Louis XV of France had the attitude ‘After me, the deluge’. The kings who concentrated all powers led a life of squander and extravagance. The majority of the people of France led a life of misery. A minority including the rulers led a life of luxury and extravagance.

ii) Influence of thinkers : 

Various thinkers in France played an important role in making the people aware of the inequalities and exploitation.

Rousseau 

• Spelled out the importance of freedom with the statement ‘Man is bom free but everywhere he is in chains’. 
• Declared that the people are sovereign.

Voltaire

• Ridiculed the exploitation of clergy. 
• Promoted rational thinking, ideals of equality and humanism.

Montesquieu

• Encouraged democracy and the republic. 
• Suggested division of powers of the government into legislature, executive and judiciary.

iii) Social inequality: 

The social inequality that prevailed in France was another reason for the Revolution. In French society, the people did not have equal rights. The French society was divided into three strata known as Estates.

The clergy formed the First Estate. They held vast land. They collected the tax called ‘Tithe’ from farmers. The clergy were exempted from all taxes. They also controlled higher positions in administration. The nobility formed the Second Estate. They engaged in military service. Collected various taxes from farmers. Made farmers work without wages. Exempted from taxes. Led luxurious life and held vast lands.

The Third Estate consisted of the middle class including traders, writers, lawyers, officials, teachers, bankers, farmers and craftsmen. They had no role in the administration. Paid land tax namely ‘Taille’ to the government. Paid taxes to clergy and nobles and had low social status.

iv) Financial crisis: 

The following brought France to the brink of bankruptcy:

• The luxurious life and squander of Bourbon kings, nobles and clergy. 
• Frequent wars 
• Frequent spells of drought and crop failure. 
• Financial and military assistance given to American colonies in theAmerican War of Independence.

Summoning of States General: To overcome the financial crisis, Louis XVI, the king decided to propose new taxes. So to levy new taxes upon the commoners, Louis XVI summoned the French Parliament called States General.

Similar to the French society, the States General also had three estates. The first two Estates argued for Estate wise single voting system. The Third Estate demanded individual vote for each member of all the three estates.

Tennis Court Oath:

While the arguments went on, the members of the Third Estate declared themselves as the National Assembly of France. They assembled in the tennis court nearby and swore not to leave until they had framed a new constitution for France. This event is known as the ‘Tennis Court Oath’. This was the beginning of the French Revolution.