What was the most important cause of the French revolution in 1789?

The French Revolution was the culmination of an inherently unstable class system brought into crisis due to short term triggers involving Louis XVI’s personal shortcomings, changing cultural attitudes under the Enlightenment and, most importantly, crippling economic problems. Economic problems were the most significant factor since they demonstrated the failure of the monarchy to reform its flawed ancien regime, and created tension in French society. Long-term systematic problems involving tax exemption for the second and third estates, the process of tax farming, and chaotic and incomplete regional variation ensured that the monarchy struggled for income and could not cope in times of fiscal crisis. Hence, involvement in eighteenth century wars, such as the American War of Independence costing 1.3 billion livres, coupled with poor harvests, acted as the trigger to the crown’s bankruptcy by 1788. Louis XVI’s successive failures to reform the taxation system under multiple finance ministers highlighted his indecisive nature and weak leadership. Moreover, public opinion surrounding Marie Antoinette following the Diamond Necklace Affair in 1784 further reduced the crown’s reputation. Ultimately economic problems led to the calling of the Estates General in 1789, for the first time since 1614, catalysing a revolutionary mood and igniting a hope for change whilst illustrating the failures of France’s absolute monarchy to cope in times of crisis.