Causes of the French Revolution

Early 1700s
France:
 * Richest nation in Europe. It was the centre of arts, fashion, civilisation
 * Powerful army and navy
 * Population between 25-28 million is up from 18 million
 * Food surplus
 * Economic expansion in textiles, mining and merchantilism

1700s

 * Growing economic crisis
 * Activity slowed
 * Economic regulations hampered trade
 * Slow/little growth because of the many duties, tolls and taxes

Economic Depression (1787-1789)

 * Crops damaged from frost, drought and rains
 * City workers laid off to save money therefore there were no markets from peasants (demand drops which directly affects business production - supply)
 * Feudal restrictions added economic restrictions
 * Spanish tariffs and English competition
 * Wars and the cost of war for the army and navy