Question

What was the reason for french revolution to arise .

Answer 1

1. Ideas of the enlightenment and the ease of distributing the written word.

2. Development of a middle class which lacked political power

3. A large gap in wealth between rich and poor.

4. An irresponsible aristocracy; a legacy of the reign of Louis XIV

5. Depression in the 1789,  shortages of  food, soaring food prices, unemployment in Paris, and 
 over-population in Paris

6. Financial crisis at the top, due to the refusal of a privileged aristocracy to shoulder a 
share of the financial burden

WHAT WERE ITS THREE PHASES?

 Moderate phase: 1789-1792

The King, faced with bankruptcy, tried to raise revenues from the aristocracy by calling the Estates General into session.  It last met in 1614 when it was organized into 3 estates: 
   1. Nobility        Each estate had one vote. 
   2. Clergy 
   3. 3rd estate

Impasse developed over voting. The 3rd Estate, now larger, reflecting changes which had occurred in France since 1614, insisted each delegate should have one vote.

France was in a depression. Soaring food prices brought great privation and hardship.