Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolution protest in France.
Answers
Answer: The circumstances which led to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were a combination of social, economic, political and Intellectual circumstances. These are discussed below
(i) Social The social order consisted of many inequalities. The privileged classes were the clergy and noblemen, the First and Second Estate respectively. They were exempt from paying taxes. The rest of the citizens belonged to the Third Estate and constituted the majority of the population.They did not have any political rights or social status, but paid all the taxes. So, they were very discontented.
(ii) Economic There was a financial crisis as the king's treasury was empty, The king's luxurious style of living and involvement in wars had made France very poor. There was no money to feed the poor when there was a bad crop.
(iii) Political The king ruled like an autocrat and the people had no voice in any decisions. The Estates General (French Parliament) had not been convened for many years. The administration was inefficient, corrupt and disorganized.
(iv) Intellectual At that time a number of philosophers refuted the theory of the divine right of kings to rule. They proclaimed a doctrine of sovereignty of the people and equality of all men. They stoked the fires of discontent by exposing the evil actions of the king and nobility.