“Economic rather than political challenges caused a crisis in the Ancien Régime by 1789.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that economic difficulties were more significant than political challenges in causing a crisis in France by 1789. Economic challenges could include the recession of the 1780s and huge debts from earlier wars (Seven Years War and the American War of Independence). The regime was unable to deal effectively with this debt because of weak financial structures (ineffective tax collection, no national bank or stock exchange). Political challenges were closely linked to economic ones. The nobility resisted Calonne’s tax reforms as they were seen as a threat to their status and demanded the recall of the parlements and later the Estates General. This provided the bourgeoisie the opportunity to demand greater participation in politics. Some may argue that the Ancien Régime was in crisis by 1789 because it had no basis of support due to economic weakness. While other relevant factors such as Enlightenment ideas may be referred to the bulk of the response will remain on the issues in the question.