Describe the circumstances leading to the …

The outbreak of revolutionary protest in France was a culmination of social, political, intellectual and economic factors.

1. The system of estates in France was marked by gross inequalities. The clergy and the nobility which were the priviledged classes were exempted from paying taxes. The third state which formed a majority of the population had to bear the burden of taxes. Therefore, they were profoundly discontented.
2. Louis XVI, the King of France was an inefficeint and a weak ruler. He believed in autocracy and led a life of luxury.
3. 18th century witnessed the emergence of revolutionary ideas of the political philosphers. The philosphers refuted the theory of divine right of the kings and absolute monarchy and proclaimed the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of the people. They played a vital role in exposing the evils of the old regime.
4. The members of royal familiy, nobles and clergy we re spending money extravagantly when the masses were dying for want of foodstuffs. Consequently the discontent of the peasantry and the middle classes created an explosive situation.
5. The economic crises had made the situation the worst. People could no longer tolerate the king's tyranny. They stormed Bastille and with it absolute monarchy came to an end in France.