Study European History notes on The French Revolution of 1789 for Secondary. Useful for revision, homework, and exam preparation in Zimbabwe.
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EUROPEAN HISTORY The French Revolution of 1789 Causes The French people revolted in 1789 against the government of Louis XVI as a result of a combination of factors such as the existing system of government, an incompetent king, financial crises, and the system of privileges among other factors. That the revolution broke in 1789 and not earlier is because the situation in France had deteriorated. The people of France could not wait any longer. Political Politically the revolt was triggered of by factors such as the existing system of government, an incompetent king as well as various influences from the American War of Independence, England and the Philosophers. 1. The Existing System of Government - The existing system of government in France lacked political participation and representation of the people. - This is in view of the fact that all the power was centred in the hands of one person- the French King. He was responsible for all the political appointments and he was the one with the final say on all state issues. This is confirmed by his words "The state is my self. The thing is legal because I wish it." - this clearly indicated that he treated France as his personal property and it clear shows his dictatorial tendencies as well as absolute arrogance. - Furthermore France did not have a parliament. Of course there was a platform in the form of the Estates-General in which the people presented their grievances and proposals to the king. But then these last met in 1614 yet the year was now 1789 . 1