Question

What were the causes for France to go through a period of economic crisis on the eve of the French Revolution?

Answer 1

1. On the eve of the French revolution, the French treasury was bankrupt because of its involvement in the Seven Years War.
2. French participation in the American War of Independence made the financial condition worse.
3. The luxurious lifestyle of the royalty and nobles in Versailles court added to the economic crisis.
4. When the Finance Ministers of the King, Turgot, Necker, Calonne, and Brienne suggested reduction of royal expenditure and taxation of the first two Estates – the advice was disregarded.
5. The government borrowed heavily resulting in a huge fiscal deficit.