There were many causes for the French Revolution. There was the Enlightenment which scientists questioned ideas and added a broadened influence of public opinion. There was the tax problem, where the first and second estate held more power over the third estate, which landed in having the third estate pay off all the tax. There was also economic hardships and food shortages. Louis XVI at the time was a very ineffective ruler. He was impatient and didn't listen to the government's advice.