Final answer:
The long-term causes of the French Revolution were an economic crisis, social inequality, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The long-term causes of the French Revolution can be attributed to a combination of social, economic, and political factors. Some of the key long-term causes include:
- Economic Crisis: Poor harvests and financial mismanagement by the French Crown led to economic hardships, leaving many peasants and urban poor on the brink of starvation.
- Social Inequality: The social elites, particularly the aristocracy, enjoyed special privileges and were exempt from land taxes. This created resentment among the middle class and peasants, who were burdened with heavy taxes.
- Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment period sparked new ideas about individual rights and the questioning of traditional institutions. The middle class was inspired by these ideas and sought greater political participation.
These long-term causes created a growing discontent among different segments of society, and the demands for political and social reforms eventually led to the French Revolution.