The French Revolution- A inspiration to many revolts around the world. Today, We will learn about French society during that time, leading to the revolt. This text must not be mistaken for the whole story, this is just a summary. Students can use this article to learn the first part of the revolution. 

In 1774, King Louis XVI of the Royal French family ascended to the throne. He was famous for being easily manipulated. He was married to the Austrian princess Marie Antoinette who was famous for her lavish spending. She also had a boat haircut. He was neither very clear nor strong. And during his reign, the upper estates(class) of France spent lavishly, partied and did not worry about taxes as the first two estates were imposed with little to no tax. The first two estates enjoyed many benefits while the 3rd estate was taxed, cruelly. The churches also extracted many taxes from the 3rd estate. 

Under the new king, France was in severe debt, 13 colonies of America got independence and the 3rd estate(commoners), who accounted for 90% of France's population, were starving without bread. When the treasury got emptied, 3rd estate people were forced with more and more taxes. And, like a cherry on top, natural disasters destroyed hard-earned and cultivated yield.  

When France helped America to get independence from the British, they funded huge sums of money without any agreements. The sum of money given was also not recorded or never retrieved from America. This made them fall into a huge debt. 

Throughout the 18th century, certain groups in the 3rd estate got wealthy by buying silk and wool from other countries and selling them. There were well-educated people within the 3rd estate who wanted the estates based on the educational qualification of people, not based on privilege by birth. 

Many thinkers like Montesquieu wanted a division of power between the judiciary, executive and legislative. In the course of the independence of America, a constitution was enforced which made political thinkers in France wonder.  

These ideas were discussed by many in salons and coffee shops through newspapers. And people who were able to read were told about the state of America by educated people.  The news that King Louis XVI was going to impose more tax on people to meet ends received wild protests and anger from the population. 

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