Chief Causes of the French Revolution 1789 – 1795

 

  1. The influence of the French philosophers spread quickly throughout France.  A number of scientists who lived at the time, such as Kepler, Newton, Bacon and Copernicus, helped to stimulate a new way of thinking.  Urging people to become more cautious, to ask questions and challenging absolute authority became part of their scientific revolution.

 

Science 101  

    • Kepler – planetary motion
    • Newton – laws of gravity
    • Bacon – scientific method
    • Copernicus – earth relation to the sun

 

  1. The American Revolution, which took place from 1776 – 1784, was a successful one for the Americans who broke away from the British.  When the American Revolution was over a constitution was created for the US.  This model became the basis for the French model years later.
  2. The concept of privilege (tax exemption, free food and entertainment) was costing the French people extreme amounts of money.
  3. An equitable tax structure was needed in France.
  4. The old feudal system must be abolished in order to create equality among the classes of people.
  5. Corruption in the tax system was also a major problem in France.  “Intendents”, tax collectors were corrupt, cheating the people and looking after their own best interests.
  6. Everyone in France had a “laissez – faire” attitude about government economy and society as a whole (leave it alone and it will fix itself naturally).
  7. Reckless Wars – France was involved in far too many small but costly wars.
  8. The printing press had been in use since the 16th century.  It was used to circulate revolutionary ideas all over France at a rapid pace.
  9. The French protestants, who had economic skills would be banished from France and forced to enter protestant countries such as Holland, Germany, Denmark, England, Canada and the United States.
  10. The Old French Legislature was very outdated.  It was called the “estates-general”.
    • 1st Estate – Clergy – 1% of the population
    • 2nd Estate – Aristocrats/Nobility – 2-3% of the population
    • 3rd Estate – The Middle Class/commoners – 96% of the population

Whenever there is a vote in parliament the 1st and 2nd estate outvotes the 3rd estate 2 to 1.  The people of France felt that they were under represented.