The french revolution occurred as a result of
a. the enormous size of france
b. the large gap between the rich and the poor
c. a new king trying to take the throne
d. the roman empire initiating a revolt

b. the large gap between the rich and the poor.

1. international: struggle for hegemony and empire outstrips the fiscal resources of the state

2. political conflict: conflict between the monarchy and the nobility over the “reform” of the tax system led to paralysis and bankruptcy.

3. the enlightenment: impulse for reform intensifies political conflicts; reinforces traditional aristocratic constitutionalism, one variant of which was laid out in montequieu’s spirit of the laws; introduces new notions of good government, the most radical being popular sovereignty, as in rousseau’s social contract [1762]; the attack on the regime and privileged class by the literary underground of “grub street; ” the broadening influence of public opinion.

4. social antagonisms between two rising groups: the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie

5. ineffective ruler: louis xvi

6. economic hardship, especially the agrarian crisis of 1788-89 generates popular discontent and disorders caused by food shortages.

ww1 weapons: tank. tanks were used for the first time in the first world war at the battle of the somme. they were developed to cope with the conditions on the western front. the first tank was called 'little willie' and needed a crew of 3.