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The cause of the Revolution was because of changes in the culture of France. Due to the Enlightenment and growing levels of literacy, people began to question the existing political system of France. Many French citizens came to believe that the Royal government was deeply flawed. This ultimately led to the monarchy losing support especially among the middle class. When the kingdom was beset by a series of socio-economic crises the government failed to act success and the population became eager for dramatic change. This led to the Revolution and the fall of the French Monarchy.
George Lefebvre. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0231085982/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0231085982&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d026352e0fb60ca541284ea01a5b6e4d The French Revolutionfrom its Origins to 1793 - Vol. 1] (Volume One)''. Penguin Books (1962).
The first volume of Lefebvre work is concerned with the origins of the Revolution. Lefebvre argues that the Revolution was a result of an ‘Aristocratic Revolution’. The Church and the nobility became increasingly frustrated with the government of Louis XVI, which was increasingly autocratic and disregarded their privileges. This led them to demand changes, such as the convening of the Estates General, to protect their privileges. The French elite demanded changes to the royal system but events spun out of control and a popular revolution occurred, that led to the fall of the monarchy and the destruction of aristocracy.
[[File: The_French_Revolution.jpg|thumbnail|left|250px|The French Revolution by George Lefebvre]]
The book is a discussion of the various theories on the causes of the French Revolution. It argues that various groups especially in the aristocracy sought to use the problems facing France in order to secure and advance their own self-interests. Cambell, argues that a small group of people, engaged in a conspiracy against the king, during the sitting of the Estates General. They were inspired by some of the more radical ideas of the enlightenment such as equality and republicanism. They undermined the royal government and eventually this led the people of France to revolt and the fall of the French King.
Francois Furet. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521280494/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521280494&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b22f36abff0918a1c915b1d7ee8f2114 Interpreting the French Revolution]'' (1983).This has been a very influential important book and it was very much deeply influenced by post-modernist theories. Furet, believed that people had long accepted the monarchy in France, because they believed that there were no alternatives. The Enlightenment taught many that there was the possibility of an alternative to monarch in France and for change. The idea that change was possible and that royal government was not ordained by God, meant that people were willing to seek changes. The search for an alternative to rule by a King, led to the French Revolution.
Thomas Kaiser and Dale Van Kley (ends). ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804772819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0804772819&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=c74359881effcbf099ca52e2a0f8a0f5">From%20Deficit%20to%20Deluge:%20The%20Origins%20of%20the%20French%20Revolution</a><img%20src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dailyh0c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0804772819 The French Revolution: From Deficit to Deluge]'' (2010).
This work is a collection of ten essays by leading authorities on the French Revolution. It discusses the various theories on the origins of French Revolution. The individual essays discuss various aspects the causes of the French Revolution. Many of the essays argue that the French Monarchy was become more repressive and intolerant as it entered a social and economic crisis. This provoked the French people to revolt and to establish a government that was based upon ideas of popular sovereignty.
