What Do You Understand By Subsistence Crisis? Explain The Role Of Philosopher In French Revolution.
Answers
Subsistence crisis can be defined as an extreme situation where the basic means of livelihood are endangered. ... A subsistence crisis can be considered genuine if it is visible in demographic data.
Things became worse whenever drought or hail reduced the harvest. Economic hardship generates popular discontent, and disorders caused by food shortages in France led to popular uprisings and riots. The 'subsistence crisis' of the eighteenth century was one of the major causes of the French Revolution.Causes of the French Revolution:
Social Inequality: French society in the eighteenth century was divided into three estates namely The Clergy, The nobility and third estates. First two estates, that is, the clergy and the nobility enjoyed certain privileges by birth. They were exempt from paying taxes. The Third estate comprises of businessmen, merchants, Peasants and artisans, labours had to pay taxes to the state.
Political Causes: Long years of war had drained the financial resources of France. France had a debt of more than 2 billion livres. To meet its regular expenses, such as the cost of maintaining an army, the court, running government offices or universities, the state was forced to increase taxes which angered the people.
Economic Problems: The population of France also increased from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789. Food grains were now in great demand. The price of bread shot up. Wages did not keep pace with rising prices. This led to subsistence crisis.