... Officers in the army. This caused great discontent and social unrest within the Third Estate. This was a great example of political and social inequalities in the Seventeenth Century. France had an absolute monarchy but the Bourbon kings were weak rulers. . For example, it was well known that Louis was more concerned with his own personal interests than in the interests of the State and Court. Often this bored him and he left his work up to his advisers and ministers. Or even worse he would make hasty decisions that would cause even worse consequences in France. Marie Antoinette held great power over Louis. Often she stood in the way of his proposed reforms by talking him out of it. It was well known that she had talked him into firing Turgot, who may have been able to prevent the revolution through his economic reforms. She was also hated by ...

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