The growing popularity of the works of a number of intellectuals who argued for social reform. Crop failures in 1788 compounded existing economic restlessness. French participation in the American Revolution that drove the government to the brink of bankruptcy. The Third Estate declared itself to be the National Assembly because they wanted the voting system to be fair and they would have the majority vote. The first, second, and third estate each gets one vote. The capture of the Bastille symbolized the end of the ancien regime and provided the French revolutionary cause with an irresistible momentum. The Napoleonic Code made the authority of men over their families stronger, deprived women of any individual rights, and reduced the rights of illegitimate children. Napoleon lost his empire because he chose to invade Russia which was a bad decision. It was cold, and no d could be found. After the retreat; he lost over 80% of his men. These thoughts continued to spread throughout the nation. People wanted change and they did so through liberalism and nationalism.
