What economic problems helped cause the French Revolution in 1789?

Several interconnected economic problems contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789:

• Fiscal Crisis and Debt: France faced a severe financial crisis, largely driven by the heavy costs of 18th-century wars, including French participation in the American Revolution, which pushed the government to the brink of bankruptcy.12
• Inequitable Tax System: The fiscal structure was highly irrational and burdensome. While the Third Estate bore the weight of various direct and indirect taxes—such as the taille (personal tax) and the gabelle (salt tax)—the nobility and clergy often enjoyed exemptions. Attempts by finance ministers to reform this system and tax the privileged classes were consistently blocked by the parlements.345
• Agricultural Failure and Food Shortages: France was the most populous country in Europe, creating high demand for food. A long period of economic difficulty was compounded by a catastrophic harvest in 1788, which led to widespread food shortages, rising prices, and intense anxiety among the peasantry.165
• Economic Stagnation: After a period of prosperity, economic growth slowed around 1770, leading to frequent crises that fueled social unrest and calls for reform.1