Social Sciences, asked by manickammathesh2005, 1 year ago

economic and social disparity lead to revolution

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Answered by om2401
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Revolution by definition means a fundamental change in political power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time when the population rises up in revolt against the current authorities. This requires huge momentum. The Fall of Bastille, a symbol of monarchical oppression, is seen as a landmark in the French revolution where people in masses destroyed the structure and kept the souvenirs. This kind of Uprising needs to have a lot of momentum.

Uprising in small states could be started trough inducements by hostile neighbours or can be due to social, economic factors. But in case of France this is not completely true. France was a big power back then in Europe, just social disparity would not have led to REVOLUTION.

Causes of Revolution:

1.‘I am the State’ attitude of the Monarchy

The prior 3 generations of absolute Monarchy(Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI) were abysmal in maintenance of law and order, foreign policy and handling economy. Bread was the main source of food for the France, this was mishandled by flawed policies and taxation. This created significant dissent against the ruling class.

Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI were all extravagant and little concern for the masses. Apart from this continues 7 years war has had a significant toll on the state economy and this acted as a last nail in the coffin of monarchy.



BASTILLE DESTROYED BY FRENCH REVOLUTIONARIES

2. Rigid 3 Tier Social Structure

Then French society is feudal in structure - 1st estate consisted of clergy, 2nd estate comprised of nobles, 3rd estate stands for normal people with various professional potency



Rigid three tier social structure perpetuated the poor to die as poor.

Heavy taxation

Whimsical imprisonment of people by Letter de Catchet.

This social disparity created simmering differences among various classes which just needed a catalyst to cross the threshold. This came in the form of subsistence crisis which created a ripple effect on the masses.

BAD HARVEST -> RAISING PRICES -> EPIDEMIC -> MASS DISCONTENT

Further Bourgeoises,belonged to 3rd estate, though had money and skill were mistreated by the upper nobles and clergy. These bourgeois comprised of doctors, engineers, philosophers Etc they acted as catalysts to rise the simmering differences and led the masses. Therefore french revolution is also called as ‘Bourgeois Revolution’.

3. Economic Stress

Continues war with no gains has had a significant impact on treasury. Under Louis XVI, France helped the thirteen American colonies to gain their independence from the common enemy, Britain. The war added more than a billion livres to a debt that had already risen to more than 2 billion livres.[1]

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