About The French Revolution | Causes of French revolution | World History |
1:- Causes of the French Revolution
2:- Political Causes
3:- Social Causes
4:- Economic Causes
5:- The French Philosopher
Introduction
The French revolution opened a new chapter in the history of Europe.
It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of republicanism based on 'liberty' , Equality and Fraternity ' these ideas had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French Revolution include the political, social and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon Dynasty. The firmly believed in the Divine Right theory - as they were representatives of God, they were answerable only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful ruler of the Bourbon dynasty. His wars ruined the economy of France. His successsors Louis XV and Louis XVI were administrator. Louis XV foretold at the end of his rule : 'After me the deluge'. His words came to be true. Louis XVI was the most competent ruler. His wife and queen, Marie Antoinette interfered too much into the administration. She was thoroughly ignorant of the sufferings of the French people. But she always favoured and protected the interest of the French nobles. She did not allow the financial reforms to take place. Because it affected the interests of the nobles and the clergy.
Social Causes
The French society was based on inequality. The society consisted of three major divisions, the nobles, clergy and the common people power but remained loyal to the king. The enjoyed many privileges and led a life of luxury. They were exempted from taxation. The higher clergy owned one fifth of the lands in France and enjoyed several privileges. Their number in France was around only five thousand. They lived in palatial houses and they were exempted from taxes. But the lower clergy were denied all these privileges. Therefore, they turned against the higher clergy during the revolution. Both the noble and the higher clergy led a life of ease and pleasure without bothering about the wretched condition of the masses.
The majority of the population in France belonged to the third category. Trades, lawyers, owners of industries, government servants, peasants and workers were in this category. While the nobles and the clergy were exempted from paying taxes, the masses paid all the taxes. Hence it was said : 'the nobles fight, the clergy pray and the people kahi. Tha taille or land tax was entirely paid by the peasants. The gabelle or salt tax was a burden on the common man. The head of each family had to pay the capitation tax. Besides paying these taxes to the king they have to pay tithe (tax) to the Church
The burden on the peasants was higher than the others bethe had certain other obligations to the nobles. They were forced to use the mill, winepress, slaughterhouse and oven of their Lords after paying the usual dues. They were also compelled to render feudal services to the lords.
Economic Causes
The financial condition of France was very critical during the reign of Louis XVI. The national debt had increased beyond the limit. The national income was less than national expenditure. Hence, the king tried to mobilize national income by selling important offices of the government. At last, the king appointed financial experts Turgot and Jacques Necker as director-General of finances. They tried to curtail royal expenditure and improve the income to the government. But their measures did not receive the support of the nobles. On their advice the queen Marie Antoinette removed them. Later, Calonne was appointed to look into financial crisis. But he was not able to do anything but to levy fresh taxes. Therefore, Louis XVI was forced to convene the States General after a gap of 175 year, on May 5th.
The French Philosopher
The writings and the preaching of the French philosopher prepared the common people for the revolution.
The most prominent among them were Montesquieu, Volataire and Rousseau.
Montesquieu in his book, the script of laws advocated the constitutional form government. He introduced the idea of separation of powers into executive, legislative and judiciary to ensure the effective functioning of democracy. Volataire launched a crusade against superstition and attacked traditional belief. He wrote many essays, poems and dramas creating awareness among the masses. He advocated the supremacy of reason.
He stood for religious toleration. He strongly condemned the corruption and in the church. He stood for a benevolent despotism. Rousseau was the author of the famous book, Social Contract, which was considered the Bible if the French Revolution.
He said that the real sovereignty rests with the people. His famous statement, 'Man is born free and is everywhere in chain's Kindled the revolutionary spirit of the masses. Diderot and tha D' Alembert published the Encyclopedia. It contained several essays and article written by revolutionary thinkers. The revolutionary ideas if these philosophers spread throughout France and created awareness among the masses. The French intellectuals gave the motto Liberty, Equality and Fraternity' which became the watchwords of the revolution of 1789.
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