Causes of the French Revolution
Absolute monarchy
King Louis the XIV, also know as "the sun king". 1643-1715. He called himself this because he felt the world revolved around him. He was very powerful and built France up to be the most powerful European nation. He set a standard of excellence and extravagance and a symbol of this is in the Palace of Versailles.
King Louis the XV. 1715-1774. A weak ruler. Maintained the extravagance but was disliked because of it. He lost the Seven Years war and left his country in shambles. He could care less and was known for his philosophy, “Apres moi, le deluge,” which meant, "after me, the deluge". He was going to live his life and not care what happened to his people.
King Louis the XVI. 1774-1793. He wanted to do right for his country but didn't quite know how. He and his wife, Marie Antoinette enjoyed living extravagantly even though a majority of people were poor. He was left with a country in dire conditions with food shortages and a debt due to the loss of the Seven Years War. With these conditions, his inability to rule, the drought, and the fuel of the Enlightenment people were bound to want change.