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The crisis came about primarily because of an inefficient and unfair tax structure, outdated medieval bureaucratic institutions, and a drained treasury which was the result of aiding the Americans during the American Revolution, long wars with England, overspending, and an inequitable tax system which placed the burden of taxation on those least able to pay, the Third Estate.
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Before the revolution the French people were divided into 3 groups: the 1st estate consisted of the clergy, the second estate of the nobility and the third estate of the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants. Legally the first two estates enjoyed many privileges, particularly exemption from most taxation. The third estate was looked at as a joke and was never listened to.
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In 1789, the King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates General. It was the first meeting of the Estates General called since 1614. He called the meeting because the French government was having financial problems.
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France was a wealthier country than Britain, and its national debt was no greater than the British one. The financial strain of servicing old debt and the excesses of the current royal court caused dissatisfaction with the monarchy. This contributed to the spark of the revolution
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The storming of the Bastille contributed in the end of the old regime.The Bastille was a fortress in Paris. It played an important role in the internal conflicts of France and for most of its history was used as a state prison by the kings of France.
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The Constitution of the United States established America's national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens
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The Legislative Assembly was the governing body of France between October 1791 and September 1792. It replaced the National Constituent Assembly.
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In 1789, food shortages and economic crises led to the outbreak of the French Revolution. King Louis and his queen, Mary-Antoinette, were imprisoned in August 1792, and in September the monarchy was abolished.