The major cause of the French Revolution was the widespread discontent with the monarchy and the social inequalities of the Ancien Régime. Poor economic conditions, high taxes, and food shortages led to unrest among the common people, particularly the Third Estate, which represented the majority but held little political power. Enlightenment ideas advocating for liberty, equality, and fraternity also fueled revolutionary sentiments. The culmination of these factors resulted in the revolution beginning in 1789, ultimately overthrowing the monarchy and establishing a republic.