On the eve of the Revolution there were numerous factors which, included a weakened political system, unfair economic policy and poor social conditions which all attributed to the instability of France and its people. To begin, France in the 1800s had seen a growth in population. While it may not have occured as rapidly as Europe, it still caused an inbalance between the number of people and the economic opportunities available (557-559). This increase put a strain on a society which at the time, relied on very small farms and out dated farming methods. For example, when Englishmen, Arthur Young, a liberal reformer, visited France in the late 1780s (Arthur Young, Travels in France) he could not help but notice the obvious distinction
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The strong monarchy, ruling under absolutism, viewed their subjects as being loyal and happy. Having a belief that everything was for the good of the nation (541), they were oblivious to the changes that were coming with the French Revolution so close at hand. Specifically, this can be seen in the document written by Marie Antoinette, from the Modern History Sourcebook: Marie Antoinette: Letter to Her Mother, 1773. While it clearly shows that Marie Antoinette knew of the tax burdens and the economic hardships faced by the peasants of France, yet she didn 't seem to fully understand. For instance, she remarks of the love the peasants had for her in the following quote, "What was really affecting was the tenderness and earnestness of the poor people, who, in spite of the taxes with which they are overwhelmed, were transported with joy at seeing us". Similarily, those that were employed by the nobility of France felt great honor to serve and seemed oblivious to the struggles of the outside world even though they knew of the mass amount of money being spent. For instance, her faithful attendant Madame Campan wrote in great detail of the beautiful clothing and fine accompaniments provided to Marie Antoinette. In her writings, Madame Campan: Memoirs of the Private Life of Marie Antoinette, 1818 it details how no expense was spared to furnish the lifestyle of the nobility. As quoted, "I believe the fixed annual sum for this division of expenditure was one hundred thousand francs, but there might be additional sums when the funds appropriated to this purpose were
The strong monarchy, ruling under absolutism, viewed their subjects as being loyal and happy. Having a belief that everything was for the good of the nation (541), they were oblivious to the changes that were coming with the French Revolution so close at hand. Specifically, this can be seen in the document written by Marie Antoinette, from the Modern History Sourcebook: Marie Antoinette: Letter to Her Mother, 1773. While it clearly shows that Marie Antoinette knew of the tax burdens and the economic hardships faced by the peasants of France, yet she didn 't seem to fully understand. For instance, she remarks of the love the peasants had for her in the following quote, "What was really affecting was the tenderness and earnestness of the poor people, who, in spite of the taxes with which they are overwhelmed, were transported with joy at seeing us". Similarily, those that were employed by the nobility of France felt great honor to serve and seemed oblivious to the struggles of the outside world even though they knew of the mass amount of money being spent. For instance, her faithful attendant Madame Campan wrote in great detail of the beautiful clothing and fine accompaniments provided to Marie Antoinette. In her writings, Madame Campan: Memoirs of the Private Life of Marie Antoinette, 1818 it details how no expense was spared to furnish the lifestyle of the nobility. As quoted, "I believe the fixed annual sum for this division of expenditure was one hundred thousand francs, but there might be additional sums when the funds appropriated to this purpose were