Answer:
The incidents leading to the outbreak of
the revolution were:-
(i)
Meeting of the Estates General: On 5 May 1789, Louis XVI called for a meeting
to propose new taxes. Representatives of all the three estates reached there,
but members of the third estate had to stand at the back, as they were not
offered any seat. Peasants, artisans and women were denied entry to the
assembly.
(ii)
Demand for Universal Adult Franchise: Members of the third estate demanded the
power for each member to vote. When the King rejected the demand, members of
the third estate walked out of the assembly to protest.
(iii)
Meeting of the newly formed National Assembly: Since the percentage of the
third estate was more, they considered themselves as spokesmen for the whole
French nation. They assembled in an indoor tennis court of Versailles and
declared themselves as the 'National Assembly'. They believed in removing the feudal
privileges of the nobles and clergy.
(iv)
Revolt by peasants: The countryside rumours spread from village to village that
their ripe crops would be destroyed by hired bands of lords of manors. Peasants
in several districts seized hoes and attacked the residences of their manors.
They looted, hoarded grain and burnt down documents containing records of
manorial dues.
(v)
Fall of Bastille prison: During this political turmoil, the French had
experienced severe winters leading to bad harvest. It increased the price of
bread, which was hoarded in the market. Angry women attacked the shops. At the
same time, the King ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July 1789, the
agitated crowd stormed and destroyed the Bastille prison.
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