Before the FR there were 3 estates 1st-church 1% of pop. 2nd-nobles 2% of pop 3rd rest of pop. The 3rd also paid all of the taxes and were the poorest
The revolution was inspired by the success of the american revolution and the fact that the king and queen had huge debt.
Due to his royal debt the king called together The Estates General. The 3rd estate saw their chance and decide to ask for a change in the voting rules. when they were denied they left and decided to to make their own government.
After leaving the meeting the 3rd estate went and found a place to swear to a new constitution called the tennis court oath.
Hearing that the king was going to stop their new government they stormed the Bastille for weapons.
Eventually a new radical group took over called the national convention. they were lead by the Jacobins.