The document discusses the social causes of the French Revolution. It notes that France's population grew significantly in the 18th century to around 20 million people. Peasants represented the vast majority at 75-80% of the population but had poor living conditions and worked as laborers. The clergy and landowners made up the privileged first and second estates, respectively, and were largely exempt from taxes, while the third estate of commoners had to pay high taxes, fueling discontent. Bread was the main food but price increases led to unrest. The estates general convened in 1789 but peasants were unhappy, launching rebellions against landowners that summer. Dissatisfied with the estates general, the third estate formed the