The French Revolution lasted 10 years, from 1789 to 1799. The Ancien Regime was overthrown in favor of a constitutional monarchy. It eventually became the First French Republic. The revolution led to King Louis XVI's ececution.
The Enlightenment
The European movement which presented society with an awakening of ideas, including God, reason, nature, and overall humanity.
The Enlightenment inspired the French Revolution
The Enlightenment allowed everyone to question their worldview and overall existence. Eventually, this intellectual movement inspired French citizens to improve their own conditions, therefore leading to the French Revolution.
Other countries and governments fueled the frustration of the French.
Economic factors
Tax raises, social inequality, the cost of the war, and the overall economy led to the discontent and eventually to the revolution.
Heavy taxes
The French regime imposed heavy taxes on the Third Estate, the commoners. The regime exempted the clergy and nobles from taxes. The only taxpayers were the peasants, wage-earners, the professionals, and businesspeople, known as the Third Estate.
