French Revolution
By: Kevin • Essay • 626 Words • May 29, 2010 • 1,027 Views
French Revolution
The Economic Crisis and the Outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789
All the sources carry some opinions on the causes of the French
Revolution with many indeed suggesting that the economic crisis was a
key factor. However, we must not ignore the other factors suggested
and there undoubted contribution the beginnings of the French
Revolution.
Source one suggests "confusion in the finances great" however this
does not necessarily correspond to an economic crisis. There could
though be economic reasons for the confusion and certainly this could
lead to a crisis if there is little control over spending, inflation
and so on. Written by Arthur Young, well known for his negative view
on France, the source is based on a conversation over dinner. Young
clearly states that the party are sure "they are on the eve of a
revolution." Financial problems are greatly discussed yet there is
little evidential basis to link this to a full-blown economic crisis.
We must also be wary of Young's British affiliation, he is likely to
have picked out things that would put France in a bad light compared
with that of Britain.
Source two is likely to have been written by a member of the
Bourgeoisie, an increasing restless sect of society similar to the
modern day middle class, and is taken from the "cahier of Pleurs."
This document was written in hope of change, it lists the most potent
problems and many of them seem to be economy related. It speaks of
immense poverty and a decline in the prosperity of the country. It
also tells of the increasing burden of taxes being places on the 3rd
Estate. These things, we can assume ultimately led to an economic
crisis and the fact that the 3rd Estate wrote them in a document
asking for change shows they were noticing the impact and that
something could be done. This is a key indicator that the economic
crisis led to the French Revolution.
Source three, an article in a traditionally royalist newspaper, shows
clearly actions that are characteristic of an economic crisis. It
tells of a rise in bread prices, the staple food for the urban
peasant, and how workshops are deserted as men and women queue for
food. The source shows how an