Question

How far was the subsistence crisis responsible for the French Revolution? Examine.

Accepted Answer

The subsistence crisis in France played a significant role in contributing to the conditions that ultimately led to the French Revolution:

The population of France experienced a significant increase from around $23$ million in $1715$ to $28$ million in $1789$ . This resulted in a rapid surge in the demand for food, particularly grains. However, grain production failed to match this demand, causing the price of bread, a staple food for many, to rise sharply.

The majority of workers were employed in workshops where their wages were determined by the owners. Unfortunately, these wages did not keep up with the escalating prices, widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Moreover, natural disasters like droughts or hailstorms frequently reduced harvests, exacerbating the situation and leading to recurring subsistence crises during the Old Regime in France.

How far was the subsistence crisis responsible for the French Revolution? Examine.

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