3. The French Monarchy (Ancien Régime)
The Ancien Régime’s lavish spending and the aristocracy’s detachment from the common populace eroded trust and stability, contributing to the French Revolution. King Louis XVI’s extravagant expenditures, including support for the American Revolution, depleted the royal treasury. Concurrently, widespread bread shortages and soaring prices intensified public unrest. The monarchy’s inability to address these issues, coupled with the nobility’s indifference, fueled revolutionary sentiments. In 1792, the monarchy was abolished, leading to the establishment of the First French Republic. (history.com)
