The French Revolution was caused by economic crisis, social inequality, and the influence of the Enlightenment. The French population was divided into three estates, with the first two estates (clergy and nobility) making up only 3% of the population but holding most power and wealth, exempt from most taxes. The third estate (everyone else) faced heavy taxes without fair representation. King Louis XVI faced debt and called the Estates General meeting, but the three estates could not agree on reforms. The third estate formed the National Assembly and ended absolute monarchy, leading to open rebellion and the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in July 1789.