What are the causes of the French Revolution?

There are multiple causes of the revolution and it is a subject of endless controversy. One major reason for the revolution is that France was following in the footsteps of the Americans and rebelling against a negligent monarch and it was because it was time for a reformation in France. An alternative cause is that the dwelling bourgeoisie overthrew the empowered nobility and monarchy, which is what most speculations, ultimately lead to. However, we cannot forget the economic cause. During the 18th century, the French government spent more money than it collected in taxes. The peasants were the victims of the heavy taxation and when Louis XVI tried to reform the taxation system, the nobility and the clergy refused to accept the new reforms. The Seven Years’ War had also left the kingdom burdened with a colossal debt. Hence, there a short term and long term causes of the revolution that all interlink in some form.