Explain the immediate cause of the outbreak of the French Revolution.
Explain the immediate cause of the outbreak of the French Revolution.
Many causes contributed to the outbreak of the revolt of France in 1789. The following two events are its immediate causes
(i) Demand for Rights The 18th century France witnessed the emergence of new social groups, 'the middle class. The third estate was represented by this class and they wanted each member in the Estates General to have one vote. The king rejected the proposal.
Members of the third estate walked out of the assembly in protest and declared themselves a National Assembly. The National Assembly became busy with drafting a new Constitution for France.
(ii) Price Rise A severe winter came and there was a bad harvest. The price of bread increased which was the staple food of common people. Sometimes, bakers exploited the situation and increased the prices by hoarding. After spending long hours in queues, crowds of angry women raided the shops. At the same time, king Louis XVI ordered troops to move into Paris.
On 14th July, an angry crowd destroyed the fortress prison, the Bastille. In the countryside, peasants seized hoes and pitchforks and attacked chateaux. In this way, the revolution spread all over France.
Many causes contributed to the outbreak of the revolt of France in 1789. The following two events are its immediate causes
(i) Demand for Rights The 18th century France witnessed the emergence of new social groups, 'the middle class. The third estate was represented by this class and they wanted each member in the Estates General to have one vote. The king rejected the proposal.
Members of the third estate walked out of the assembly in protest and declared themselves a National Assembly. The National Assembly became busy with drafting a new Constitution for France.
(ii) Price Rise A severe winter came and there was a bad harvest. The price of bread increased which was the staple food of common people. Sometimes, bakers exploited the situation and increased the prices by hoarding. After spending long hours in queues, crowds of angry women raided the shops. At the same time, king Louis XVI ordered troops to move into Paris.
On 14th July, an angry crowd destroyed the fortress prison, the Bastille. In the countryside, peasants seized hoes and pitchforks and attacked chateaux. In this way, the revolution spread all over France.
