The document discusses the causes of the French Revolution. It began due to a corrupt social order and failing economy in France following the American Revolution. The three estates - clergy, nobles, and commoners - were divided in terms of wealth, land ownership, and tax obligations. The majority of the population were commoners who faced heavy taxes while the clergy and nobles were exempt. Financial troubles from war debts and poor harvests exacerbated economic issues. The king was forced to call a meeting of the estates general to raise new taxes, contributing to tensions.