What was a key influence behind the French Revolution?

The key influence behind the French Revolution was political corruption and absolute monarchy. The French monarchy, particularly under Louis XVI, exemplified an absolute monarchy where the king held almost complete control over the state, dismissing the needs and grievances of the common people. This centralization of power led to widespread discontent as the social disparity between the aristocracy and the common citizens grew. Features such as lavish spending by the royal court and the inability to address financial issues, like the national debt and poverty faced by the Third Estate, fostered resentment among the populace.

Moreover, the Enlightenment ideas circulating at the time emphasized individual rights, democratic governance, and social contracts, which starkly contrasted with the reality of an absolute monarchy. This clash between emerging revolutionary ideas and the old regime of absolute control created an environment ripe for revolution. The desire for change, fueled by awareness of political corruption and the oppressive nature of the monarchy, ultimately catalyzed the revolutionary upheaval in France.