The Bastille prison attack marked the start of the French Revolution, fueled by financial problems, an unjust society, and food shortages. The third estate was heavily taxed, while the first and second estates were privileged. The Enlightenment also played a role in encouraging thoughts of equality and freedom.
The attack on the Bastille prison is commonly said to have started the French Revolution. The Bastille was a place where political prisoners were held in France in the 18th century. When a mob attacked the structure on July 18, 14, it is perhaps more accurate to say that this event marked the moment when the French Revolution mobilized. Feelings of anger, repression and hatred for the throne had long been growing among the French. Some of the underlying causes of the French Revolution were an unjust society, financial problems, and food shortages.
There were many things that made life in French society unpleasant for the majority. At least two of the underlying causes of the French Revolution directly involved money. In the 18th century, France was a country governed by feudalism. One consequence of this has been the lack of proper financial control. As a result, France was developing significant amounts of debt.
French society in the 18th century was divided into three fiefdoms. The first fief was made up of clergy, many of whom were wealthy and powerful landowners. The second estate was another privileged class that catered to the nobility, which usually included people holding the highest positions and levels of influence.
The third estate consisted of the common people. Some of them were rich, but still lacked power and influence. Most of these people, however, weren’t wealthy. However, this property was heavily taxed, while the other properties often paid little or no taxes. Much of the money the government spent came from these taxes paid by people who had no significant stake or influence in society.
The Enlightenment can also be considered one of the causes of the French Revolution. The Enlightenment was a time when people began to realize that thinking was not a violation of religion. As people became frustrated with the state of finances and other aspects of society, the popularity of philosophers who encouraged people to think about equality and freedom was growing. Those thoughts of freedom have led to strong beliefs in freedom and have inspired people to fight for those beliefs.
To make matters worse, many people went hungry, which was one of the causes of the French Revolution. Agricultural problems had translated into years of food shortages which, among other things, forced people to abandon their rural homes and head to Paris in search of food. Even once there, many went hungry. Finally, there was a shortage of bread. Because bread was a staple, it was simply too much for many to bear.
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