Question - Which of the following was the basic cause of the French Revolution?

1. Which of the following was the basic cause of the French Revolution? 

A. A majority of the French people wanted to replace the monarchy with the republic. 

B. France was a weak country and in economic decline in 1789. 

C. The past abuses of the Old Regime. 

D. The support of nobles for the absolute government of Louis XVI. 

E. The invasion of France by foreign countries.

ANSWER:

1. C. The Old Regime, which described the political, economic, and social conditions in Europe before 1789, was marked by absolutism in government, inequality among classes, and unequal and burdensome taxation. In 1789, France was divided into Three Estates. The First Estate was made up of the clergy and the Second Estate was composed of the nobles. They made up about 2 percent of the population, but owned about 40 percent of the land and paid no taxes. The Third Estate was made up of the middle class (bourgeoisie), city workers, and the peasants who comprised 98 percent of the population, controlled 60 percent of the land, and paid a variety of different taxes, such as the tithe to the clergy and feudal dues to the nobles. A majority of the French people supported the monarchy until 1791. In 1789, France was one of the wealthiest countries in Europe and not in economic decline. The nobles supported Louis XVI but wanted more influence in the decision-making process. The foreign powers invaded France in 1792, two years after the French Revolution had begun.