Taxation Crisis: Because of debt from war. Seven Years and American War of Independence
Beginning in the 1750s, France was facing enormous financial problems, which bankrupted the country and increased the overall tensions in the country.
The taxation system of France: inefficient / unfair.
The government of France hired tax collectors. often corrupt. overcharged peasants 4 own profit.
As much as 70% of a peasant income as taxes.
Voluntary taxes for the nobility (pay if you want)
Tax exemption for the clergy heightened social tensions.
Spending on the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763)This war was between British and French colonies in North America. The parent countries—France and Great Britain—supported their colonies with military units and supplies.
Supporting the American Revolution (1776)France supported the Americans' break from Great Britain with troops and money.
Crop FailuresMassive crop failures led to a severe shortage of food and skyrocketing grain prices. Starvation on the streets of Paris was common.
Spending Habits of the RoyaltyIn the years prior to the revolution, the spending habits of the king, and especially his queen, Marie Antoinette, came under attack. She was nicknamed Madame Déficit for her public image of wasteful spending on clothing, jewels, houses, shoes, etc. Although this was more political propaganda than reality, these criticisms played a role in the public's perception of the monarchs as uncaring and financially irresponsible.
The taxation system of France: inefficient / unfair.
The government of France hired tax collectors. often corrupt. overcharged peasants 4 own profit.
As much as 70% of a peasant income as taxes.
Voluntary taxes for the nobility (pay if you want)
Tax exemption for the clergy heightened social tensions.
Spending on the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763)This war was between British and French colonies in North America. The parent countries—France and Great Britain—supported their colonies with military units and supplies.
Supporting the American Revolution (1776)France supported the Americans' break from Great Britain with troops and money.
Crop FailuresMassive crop failures led to a severe shortage of food and skyrocketing grain prices. Starvation on the streets of Paris was common.
Spending Habits of the RoyaltyIn the years prior to the revolution, the spending habits of the king, and especially his queen, Marie Antoinette, came under attack. She was nicknamed Madame Déficit for her public image of wasteful spending on clothing, jewels, houses, shoes, etc. Although this was more political propaganda than reality, these criticisms played a role in the public's perception of the monarchs as uncaring and financially irresponsible.