When did the French Revolution begin?

The French Revolution began in 1789 as a result of numerous social, political, and economic issues that had been brewing in France for several years. The country was facing significant financial burdens due to years of lavish spending by the monarchy and the burden of supporting the American Revolution. The majority of the population, especially the peasants and bourgeoisie, were enduring extreme poverty and inequality while the nobility and clergy enjoyed many privileges and exemptions. France's absolute monarchy, ruled by King Louis XVI, was also facing a crisis of legitimacy as the people began to question the authority and power of the monarchy. These factors, along with a series of poor harvests that led to food shortages and rising bread prices, created a perfect storm of discontent that culminated in the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.