The crisis came about primarily because of an inefficient and unfair tax structure, outdated medieval bureaucratic institutions, and a drained treasury which was the result of aiding the Americans during the American Revolution, long wars with England, overspending, and an inequitable tax system which placed the burden of taxation on those least able to pay, the Third Estate.
The dust bowl and caused by dieing plants and pestisides
During this time, it was China that mostly remained a land-based empire. This is due partly to the fact that China occupied a large area of land, and didn't need more resources.
