History & Civics
What were the economic grievances of the French people that triggered the French Revolution?
Answer
The economic grievances of the French people that triggered the French Revolution were:
- Extravagance of the ruling class led to the Economic crisis. There was no restriction on the luxurious ways of living adopted by the Kings.
- On account of the wars waged by Louis XIV the national debt of France increased. Louis XV worsened the economic condition of France by participating in Austria's war of succession and the seven years' War against Britain. The French support to the American War of Independence further added to the financial problem.
- The aristocracy and the nobility, which had the ability to pay, were exempted from paying the taxes. The peasants and common men were burdened with heavy taxes.
- Taxes were collected by contractors who recovered the dues at their will and misappropriated a part of the taxes for their own benefit.
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