<span>They also borrowed from other political systems. Many French revolutionaries had studied British government and society. They came to admire its constitutional basis, its separation of powers and its tolerance for individual rights and freedoms. The American Revolution (1775-89) provided French reformers with a working example of revolution and a successfully implemented constitution. The ideas of the French Revolution were also shaped by grievances that were specific to 18th century France. Some of the key ideas of the French Revolution are summarised below.</span>
The king tried to impose taxation on the Second Estate, but was unable to influence <span>changes because he was not a strong leader. </span>Enlightenment Ideas<span>: The bourgeoisie was a growing merchant/professional class in </span>France<span>. They were well educated and familiar with the writings of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.</span>
