What is the tone of the passage? the french revolution the french revolution was indeed a monumental event in french history. the main cause behind the french revolution was the oppression of the french people coupled with increased taxes and a rise in food prices. the french monarchy was at the brink of bankruptcy, and it imposed high taxes on its citizens. during the french revolution, king louis xvi was executed, along with his wife, marie antoinette. the people wanted to establish a democracy, but the results were far from what they expected. they only managed to replace one dysfunctional system with another. the french revolution led to the rise of napoleon bonaparte and wars with neighboring european countries.