The factors include: 1. Decades of fiscal irresponsibility. 2. enormous costs associated with the upkeep of King Louis XVI extravagant palace at Versailles and the frivolous spending of the queen, Marie -Antoinette. 3. Prolonged involvement in Seven Years war of 1756 - 1763 drained the treasury. 4. Maintenance of France's sizable army and navy, which was an expenditure of particular importance during those volatile times. 5. Ill - advised financial manoeuvers in late 1700s that worsened the financial situation of the already cash strapped government of France.