Why did the French Revolution happen?

The French Revolution was a major event in European history, marking the end of the Bourbon monarchy and the rise of a democratic government in France. The revolution was caused by a combination of economic, social, and political factors.

One major factor was the financial crisis faced by the French government in the 18th century. The French government was deeply in debt due to wars and lavish spending by the monarchy, and attempts to reform the tax system were met with resistance from the nobility and clergy.

Another factor was the social inequality and unrest that existed in France. The French society was divided into three estates, with the first two being made up of the clergy and nobility, who enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxes, while the third estate, consisting of the common people, bore the brunt of taxation and had few political rights.

These issues came to a head in 1789 when the French monarchy, led by King Louis XVI, called for an Estates-General to address the financial crisis. The Third Estate, feeling underrepresented and marginalized, broke away from the Estates-General and declared themselves the National Assembly. This led to a period of upheaval and violence, as the National Assembly and other revolutionary groups battled against the monarchy and the aristocracy for control of the government.

In 1792, the monarchy was abolished and King Louis XVI was executed. The French Revolution continued, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the establishment of a democratic government in France.