four main causes of french revo- debt, taxing issues, failure to reform, and famine.
the debt of the french government was around 8-12 billion livre. their currency. louis xvi spent a lot of money on very luxurious things, instead of being financially responsible. als they had war debts from the 7 years war.
much of their debt was compiling because they werent exploring like their rival, England. England was able to use the colonies as a steady source of income. france had not completely bought into merchantism either at this time like england had.
taxation- frnace at this time was heavily involved in trading. however to be great trading country you cannot have high tariffs, so you need to tax heavily on your people. masses of people of france, not too thrilled with this idea.
faliure of reform- some french economists stated that nobles be taxed too. the plan backfired, as peasants had to pay even more than before. france continued to stick to their economic plan even though they were continueing to go deeper in debt.
famine- crop failure in the 1780's didnt help. supply and demand occurs here with bread. got to the point where peasants thought the king wanted them to die.
guillotine- BUI the condemned person is put at the bottom and a big blade comes down and chops their head off.
Marie antoinette- born in austria, married louis the xvi, became the queen of france. had 2 sons and 2 daughters. very popular with the people at the beginning of her reign. at the end of her reign very unpopular. executed by guillotine.
napoleon bonapart- military leader, became the emporer of the french in 1804. known for napoleonic code, height, battle tactics, waterloo.
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