THE FRENCH REVOLUTION (may 5, 1789 – nov 9, 1799)
Description:
May 5, 1789 – Nov 9, 1799Event: French Revolution Political Causes
Description: Louis XVI was an indecisive, shy and often recanted. His wife, Marie Antoinette, was extravagant and Austrian, which was unpopular after the alliance in the terrible 7 years war. France was defeated in several wars: War of Austrian Succession, 7 years war. The nobility hated the king’s reforms, which stripped them of their traditional privileges. The American Revolution also inspired the French.
Event: French Revolution Economic Causes
Description: An inefficient tax system, the poor paid the most and the rich the least. The participation and support in War of Austrian Succession, 7 years war and support of American Revolution, caused the France’s National debt to be extremely high. Since France had no central bank or paper money, the only option was to raise taxes. Failures to reform tax system meant that government was forced to increasingly take out loans. By 1786, 50% of payments consisted of interest alone. Poor harvest in 1788-1789 increased food prices and worsened the already depressed economy.
Added to timeline:
Date:
may 5, 1789
nov 9, 1799
~ 10 years
