Final answer:
The economic causes of the French Revolution include the government's high levels of debt leading to bankruptcy and the inability of peasants and farmers to afford food. The political causes encompass King Louis XVI's absolute authority and the Third Estate's formation of the National Assembly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French Revolution was a result of interlinked economic and political causes. The government, under King Louis XVI's reign, faced immense financial difficulties after supporting the American Revolution and sustaining opulent expenditures, leading to high levels of debt and subsequent bankruptcy. This economic hardship was felt acutely by the Third Estate, causing peasants and farmers to struggle with purchasing food, which in turn triggered widespread starvation and civil unrest.
Simultaneously, the political fabric of France was being questioned. The absolute authority of King Louis XVI placed the populace at his mercy, with limited participation for the Third Estate in the Estates-General. This led to members of the Third Estate breaking away from the Estates-General, marking a critical moment of political challenge and rebellion. Both economic and political strains coalesced, ushering in the French Revolution, which began with the foundation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate and the drafting of revolutionary documents such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
Thus, we can categorize the effects as follows: The bankruptcy of the government and the starvation of peasants and farmers are economic causes, while the absolute authority of King Louis XVI and the Third Estate's formation of the National Assembly fall under political causes.