The main cause of the French Revolution in 1789 was widespread discontent with the monarchy and social inequality among the Estates. The Third Estate, comprising commoners who bore the tax burden and held little political power, was driven to revolt against the privileged First (clergy) and Second (nobility) Estates. Economic hardships, rising bread prices, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality further fueled discontent. The situation reached a tipping point after King Louis XVI's indifference to the people's plight and failure to reform, prompting citizens to demand equality and a voice in government, ultimately leading to revolutionary upheaval.