What were the causes for the empty treasury of France under Louis XVI? Assess any three causes.
The three causes for which France had an empty treasury are- The expensive and long wars such as seven years war etc., fought by the French kings preceding King Louis XVI led to an empty treasury when Louis XVI came into power. France had also taken ample debt which she was finding too difficult to fill up. The extravagant life led by queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis xvi as well as the luxurious life enjoyed by the nobles and clergies by the exemption of taxes led the treasury to empty. France has always been on war terms with England. The support given by the French for the American war of independence against England in 1774 was heavier as it was still a time for France to be in heavy debts. The war was successful but it didn’t give any advantage to France and during her revolution, neither did she get support from America. The expensive wars waged by king Louis XVI's predecessors, the lavish life of the royals, and the futile support for American independence became the major reasons for the empty treasury in France.
