Explanation:

In 1789, the French government was in a major financial crisis. The king had borrowed heavily to maintain a lavish lifestyle. Also, the government had borrowed to fight Great Britain in the Seven Years' War and to help the Americans in the Revolutionary War.

With such great debt, the king had no other option than to try and raise taxes. The commoners of France (the Third Estate) had to pay the majority of the taxes. The nobles and the clergy were largely exempt from paying taxes. Higher taxes angered the common people, especially since the nobles didn't have to pay their share.