Social Inequality: Under the absolute monarchy, there was a rigid social hierarchy with three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people (including the bourgeoisie and peasants). The first two estates enjoyed immense privileges and exemptions, while the common people were burdened with heavy taxes and restrictions. This inequality created widespread resentment among the lower social classes.
Economic Disparities: The French economy was in a state of crisis due to extravagant royal spending, ineffective taxation systems, and economic policies that favored the privileged classes. The common people faced economic hardship, with high prices, unemployment, and poverty. This economic discontent fueled anti-establishment sentiments.
Limited Political Participation: Absolutism denied any meaningful political participation to the vast majority of the population. The monarchy made all decisions without consulting the people, leading to a lack of accountability and representation. This further deepened the dissatisfaction of the common people and their desire for a more democratic system.
Growth of Enlightenment Ideas: The Age of Enlightenment spread new ideas about individual rights, liberty, equality, and the social contract. These ideas challenged the divine right of kings and the absolute power of the monarch. Enlightenment philosophers, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, inspired a thirst for change among the educated elite and the common people alike.
Influence of the American Revolution: The successful American Revolution in 1776 provided a powerful example of a people overthrowing an oppressive monarchy and establishing a democratic government. This inspired the French people and demonstrated the possibility of challenging absolute rule.
Financial Crisis: The French government's financial crisis, caused by years of extravagant spending and poor fiscal management, led to increased taxation and growing public debt. The burden of these financial problems fell heavily on the common people, exacerbating their economic hardships and fueling their discontent with the monarchy.
In summary, absolutism contributed to the French Revolution by creating social and economic inequalities, limiting political participation, allowing Enlightenment ideas to spread, inspiring the example of the American Revolution, and leading to a severe financial crisis. These factors combined to create an environment ripe for revolution and ultimately led to the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France.