The French Revolution was caused by a combination of economic, social, and political factors. France was facing financial crisis due to its involvement in wars and extravagant spending by the monarchy. The French society was divided into three estates, with the clergy and nobility enjoying privileges while the commoners were burdened with heavy taxes and had limited rights. The ideas of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution also played a role in fueling the revolution, as people demanded greater freedoms and equality.