Final answer:
The French Revolution was attributed to a complex blend of social, economic, and political issues stemming from poor harvests, economic crisis, clashes between social classes, and Enlightenment ideas of reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social, economic, and political issues that led to the French Revolution were complex and interrelated. A series of poor harvests in the 1770s had a devastating impact on peasants and the urban poor, pushing many to the brink of starvation. This created extensive unrest and rioting due to the Crown's inability to provide relief. The economic strain was further exacerbated when the government, nearing bankruptcy, attempted to impose a land tax on the aristocrats, challenging their traditional tax-exempt status and resulting in significant backlash from the social elite.
At the same time, the growing middle class was intent on gaining political influence but found itself shut out by the antiquated system of government that favored the nobility and royalty. Influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of rights and liberties, this class began demanding reforms, seeking an end to the oppressive social hierarchy. The old social order displayed stark social inequities, with a wide gap between the privileged classes, who enjoyed extensive rights and exemptions, and the lower classes, who bore the brunt of taxation and had little to no political voice. These inequities played a pivotal role in fomenting revolutionary sentiments.
Regarding the multiple-choice question on the cause of the French Revolution, the correct answer is (a) an economic crisis, but it should be noted that the other options, while incorrect, still reflect aspects related to the era, except for option (b) decolonization, which is unrelated.