Revolution

Throughout history many revolutions have occurred for a variety of reasons. Revolutions do not need to be violent, but have a large social, political, economic, cultural, and technological affect on society. A revolution is mainly defined as a change. Evolution yet somewhat different from revolution is also a change except for the fact the evolution takes place during long periods of time such as decades, and a revolution is a quick change that could only take a couple of years. One particular revolution was the French Revolution that took place during the late 1700's. There were multiple complex causes and effects of the French Revolution

The absolute monarchy in France became the most powerful state in all of Europe. Yet there was much unhappiness and injustice in France's class system. The nobles and clergy enjoyed special privileges and did not pay any taxes as opposed to the common people who worked hard and were forced the pay heavy taxes. The nobles and clergy made up the first and second class and the common people such as the middle class also known as the bourgeoisie made up the third estate. The third estate was out ruled easily in the Estates General, did not have a say in government, and started to become disconnected from the privileged classes. The third estate began to want change from the unfair social structure. They called to the government and their monarch, Louis XVI, and absolute ruler. He held supreme and unlimited power during this time period. Louis XVI was already in severe debt from the overspending on the Palace of Versailles and them him and Marie Antoinette, his wife, overspent even more on luxuries. By 1789, the government was bankrupt. They were poor leaders and Louis XVI knew he has to make a bold move. In Versailles on May of 1789, Louis XVI called the Estate General, who had not been called to meet since 1614. The banks refused to give money to the government, and Louis XVI thought this would be the only way he could get additional taxes from he third estate. The nobles though hoped that the Estates General would protect their privileges, weaken the royal power, and gain some control of the government. Also during this time period the many ideas and writing of Enlightenment thinkers led to the outbreak. These thinkers like Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau became widespread and many French people began to be inspired to go against Louis XVI. Another influential encouragement to fight for their freedom during this time period was the success of the Americans to overthrow British rule. During the American Revolution, France played a role sending its navy and troops causing contact between the Americans and the French and evolutionary idea spread between groups. France was falling apart inside and outside of the government; and the French people were ready for change.

For the French people, the French Revolution was a positive thing, limiting the monarchy, creating a more fair tax