What were the underlying causes of the French Revolution?
             It has been argued by Ancient Greek Philosopher Plato that
             revolutions can be a result of a breakdown of consensus in the
             ruling class, such countries as France, Russia and China are all
             good paradigms of this particular theory.
             The course of a revolution usually comes into effect due to two
             types of causes ; preconditions and precipitants. This is a
             structural approach and is in contrast with Plato's theory which
             supports that "the economic and social structure of France had
             greatly outgrown her political and governmental system" 1. These are
             the preconditions of the French Revolution.
             The precipitants can be associated with historical accidents,
             special operations and specific events, such as the storming the
             Royal Prison, The Bastille in July 14th of 1789 which was inspired
             by the National Assembly, and symbolizes the people of France
             marking the beginning of the revolutionary spirit. These particular
             instances provide the spark to ignite a revolution.
             The climate of uncertainty was highlighted by King Louis the XVI by
             various determinations in his power. Louis the XVI inherited debt
             problem caused by Louis XV, his grandfather, and added to the crisis
             through the expense in the American War of Independence (1775-1783),
             he also appointed successive minister after minister to deal with
             This Financial crisis became a major determinant of Louis XVI
             calling on a medieval representative institution, known as the
             Estates General, not called on since 1614. This become an
             extraordinary general meeting of representatives of the three
             Due to the expense of The War of American Independence, the French
             government had a fiscal and budgetary crisis that required the
             extension of the distribution of taxation to the nobility.
             As it was in France, the nobles residing in countries such as ...