• The French Revolution was an important 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. For the first time ideas like “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” were introduced.
• During the French Revolution, France underwent a period of profound political and social change. In the end, the French consulate was established in 1799. The various activities and deeds of the French Revolution are regarded as the fundamental principles of liberal democracy.
• A significant nationalist movement in Europe, the French Revolution was an effort by the constitutional monarchy to usurp the absolute monarchy. On the other hand, some chosen individuals in France gained the undisputed authority to rule in a particular manner at this time, therefore it was a period that made the transfer of power.

Causes of French Revolution

Social Causes

• Feudal Society: The French society and its institutions before 1789 has been usually described as the Old Regime. The French society in the eighteenth century was feudal in nature, a remnant of the middle ages. The society was uncompromisingly stratified.
• Three Estates: The French society was divided into three Estates. The first estate consisted of the clergy, the second estate of the nobility and the third estate of the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants. The first two estates enjoyed many privileges by birth and were also exempted from taxation.
• Unequal Access to Resources: The French society primarily comprised peasants, around 90 per cent of the total population. But only a small number of them owned the land they cultivated as about 60 per cent of the land was owned by nobles, clergy and richer members of the third estate. Moreover, the moderate growth and prosperity witnessed in eighteenth century France was unevenly disturbed.
• Feudal Privileges and Taxes: The nobles were entitled to feudal dues, which they extracted from the peasants. The peasants were forced to render services to the nobles (Lords), either by working in his house and fields or by serving in his army. The Church too extracted its share of taxes (tithes) from the peasants.
• Educated Middle Class: Eighteenth century France witnessed the emergence of Educated middle class, who earned their wealth through an expanding overseas trade, manufacture of goods, employment as administrative officials and by practicing profession. These educated individuals began to question the privileges available to the first two estates. The group provided the much needed leadership to the peasants and workers.