Final answer:
Historical economic issues affecting France include wealth inequality, political scandals, protectionist tariffs, slow industrial growth, high unemployment, and monarchy mismanagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major economic problems that have historically hurt France include wealth inequality, which became especially pronounced during national crises. Persistent issues of exclusion from political power compounded citizens' discontents. Notably, political scandals between 1880 and 1890 severely eroded public confidence in the government, while protectionist tariffs limited France's economic growth. The slow pace of industrialization during the French Revolution further added to France's economic challenges.
Additionally, France has faced high unemployment rates and periods of underemployment, contributing to the risk of a permanent underclass. The situation was exacerbated by reactionary measures to terrorist attacks, which detracted from addressing unemployment more directly. Historical mismanagement by the monarchy, namely by Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, further weakened France's ability to address its financial hardships.