Long-Term Causes

Question 1

what are the long-term causes

Answer 1

1. social inequality
2. economic inequality
3. enlightenment ideas
4. the financial crisis
5. famine and poverty

Question 2

Social Inequality

Answer 2

French society was divided into three estates—clergy (First Estate), nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate). The Third Estate, which made up about 98% of the population, was burdened with taxes and had little political power.

Question 3

economic inequality

Answer 3

The Third Estate also suffered from high taxes while the clergy and nobility were largely exempt. This led to resentment and frustration among the common people, who struggled to make ends meet.

Question 4

enlightenment ideas

Answer 4

Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu criticized the absolute monarchy, inequality, and the lack of political freedom. Their ideas encouraged people to question the existing system.

Question 5

the financial crisis

Answer 5

France faced severe financial issues due to years of war, including involvement in the American Revolution. The government was deeply in debt, and Louis XVI’s attempts to reform the tax system were blocked by the nobility.