Étude
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Key concept
Three causes converged in 1789 — crown debt, bread prices, and a tax system that fell on the people least able to pay.
Watch out
The Revolution didn't begin as an anti-monarchy movement. In 1789 most revolutionaries wanted a constitutional king — the republic came later.
Quick check
Which Estate paid most of the taxes? (Tap to reveal)
Example
The Third Estate was about 97% of the population but could be outvoted two-to-one by the clergy and the nobility.
Why this matters
Nearly every free-response question on this unit asks you to weigh causes — knowing all three lets you argue it either way.