ICSE Class 8 Answered

Following were the causes of the French Revolution:

1. Since the reign of King Louis XIV, France had involved itself in many wars in Europe and its colonial territories.
2. King Louis XVI and his wife Mary Antoinette were used to leading a life of luxury and were not even aware of the hardships faced by the French masses. It is said that when Marie Antoinette was told that the poor did not have any bread to eat, she asked why they do not eat cake instead if bread is not available.
3. The ‘Divine Rights Theory’ held currency in medieval France. The King enjoyed absolute power and his word was upheld as the law of the land. There was no accountability on royal power.
4. The French administrative apparatus was thoroughly corrupt and officials did not care at all for the welfare of the common populace.