What was a primary cause of the French Revolution in 1789?

The primary cause of the French Revolution in 1789 was the social inequality and the burden of taxation on the Third Estate. France's social structure was divided into three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners). The Third Estate made up the vast majority of the population but was subjected to heavy taxation while having little political power. They were frustrated by their lack of representation and the significant economic hardships they faced, particularly as they dealt with rising food prices and financial crisis that affected their living conditions.

This inequality ignited widespread discontent and calls for change, leading to the pursuit of a more equitable system. The demands of the Third Estate culminated in the formation of the National Assembly and the subsequent events of the Revolution. The grievances expressed by the Third Estate during the Estates-General and the Tennis Court Oath were rooted in their desire for justice and reform, which ultimately motivated them to seek radical change in the political system of France.

While the influence of Enlightenment thinkers and the desire for a constitutional monarchy certainly contributed to the revolutionary spirit, the immediate and pressing issues related to social inequalities and taxation played a more direct and acute role in sparking the revolution. Discontent