1. Heavy debt on treasury. The rulers of France were very spendthrift. Louis XV spent money lavishly. As a result, the treasury became empty and France came under heavy debt. During the period of Louis XVI, the situation further deteriorated. As a result, France was gripped by revolution. Someone had remarked aptly, “The fiscal causes lay at the root of the revolution.”
2. Tax collection poorly administered. Not only the taxes were levied unfairly, they were also not collected in a proper manner. Anybody who bade to give the highest amount of money to king was given the right to collect taxes. The tax collectors collected maximum taxes from the people and transferred a very little amount to the government. This system of collection of the revenue was a source of great trouble for the peasants.
3. Taxes distributed unfairly. The common people of the country were poor but they had to bear the entire burden of taxes. On the other-hand, the nobles were a rich class and could pay taxes but they were free from taxes. This unfair distribution of taxes had made the people very unhappy.
4. Extravagance in the court. The rulers of France were extravagant and sensual. They were given to luxury and comfort. Louis XTV emptied the treasury because of his extravagant habits. After him, Louis XV involved himself in wars. He was followed by Louis XVI who did not lag behind in living a life of luxury. As a result of this, the French government was rendered penniless.
