Final answer:
France was in tremendous debt prior to the French Revolution due to costly foreign wars, poor financial management, and the lavish lifestyle of the monarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason why France was in tremendous debt prior to the French Revolution was the costly involvement in foreign wars, such as the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution. The French government had also neglected to properly manage their finances, and the lavish lifestyle of the French monarchy contributed to the growing debt. Additionally, the feudal system and the inefficient tax structure in France meant that the burden of taxation fell heavily on the common people, leading to widespread discontent.
Learn more about Reasons for France's debt prior to the French Revolution