1. Political causes: France Was ruled by the ‘Bourbon Dynasty’ for many centuries. The French monarchy was absolute. Louis XIV, the King of France, who was called the ‘Grand Monarch of Europe’ went to the extent of saying “lam the state, I am the Government”. He believed in the ‘Divine Right Theory of Kings’. He neglected the interests of the people and ruled according to his whims and fancies. His successor Louis XV had no ability to rule the nation.

During his reign, France fought many wars viz, the War of Austrian Succession, the Seven Years War and others. In these wars, it was defeated and it was a great financial burden, The administrative system of France was highly flawed and the Rulers neglected their responsibilities and welfare of the people and were addicted to women, wine and wealth. The officials were highly corrupt and there was no uniform legal system. This type of political anarchy, absolutism, and misrule increased the dissatisfaction of the people and led to the revolution.

2. Immediate cause: The financial condition of France was deplorable by about 1789. National debt increased owing to the costly wars and lavish lifestyle of the King and his family. There was no difference between the state and the King’s personal expenditures. The unprivileged class was paying all the taxes. The Finance Ministers of France, such as Turgot, Neckar, and Colonne, suggested the reduction in unnecessary expenditures and to impose some taxes on the privileged classes to solve the financial crisis. This was not acceptable to the privileged classes and the deterioration continued.