The peasants had no food. They also had a huge problem with the seigniorial system, which allowed for greater income disparity and a real separation of classes. They were burdened with huge levels of taxation they simply could not pay. Coupled with all of this was business expansion and it had made the Bourgeoisie more wealthy and powerful. The "Age of Enlightenment" had also capsulated some of the French intellectuals who began to challenge the dogmas of absolutism. This enormous movement of ideas, worked against the state.
After the storming of the Bastille and the Le Grande Peur, the National Assembly met and the abolition of feudalism was brought about. Tears accompanied this as many of the members gave up their privileges in the search for equality. All exemptions from taxation, all feudal dues and tolls were abolished. Further on 26 August 1789, the National Assembly issued the Declaration of the Rights of Men. Its purpose was to produce equality within the country. Fundamental human rights were acknowledged and included such basic things as freedom speech, worship and the press. It was essentially a democratic document that proclaimed the sovereignty of the people.
France certainly seemed to be heading along the path of democracy. The system of justice was reformed and now allowed for open public trials and the abolition of the hated Lettres de Cachet. A limited monarch now appeared and the National Assembly had set up eighty-three departments, had curbed the power of the church .
and abolished the evils of the old regime. Ironically, however, now armed with a free press, Robespierre and others soon used it as a tool for successful propaganda. .
The revolution had gone further than anyone had expected. The Committee of Public Safety had nine members and it was established to save the newly found Republic from internal and external perils at any cost. When they began to exercise control over every aspect of French life, it was clear France was heading down a very different path.