Question

which of the following was an underlying, or deep - rooted, cause of the french revolution? unequal tax burdens equal land ownership a law granting peasants more freedom a growing french empire

Explanation:

To determine the underlying cause of the French Revolution, we analyze each option:

• "equal land ownership" is incorrect as land ownership was highly unequal (Third Estate had little land, First/Second had more).
• "a law granting peasants more freedom" is incorrect as such laws were not a deep - rooted cause; the lack of rights and heavy burdens were.
• "a growing French empire" is incorrect as the revolution was more about domestic issues (class inequality, taxation, etc.) than empire growth.
• "unequal tax burdens" is correct. The Third Estate (commoners) paid most taxes while the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) estates were largely exempt. This unfair taxation was a deep - rooted economic and social grievance that contributed to the revolution.

Answer:

A. unequal tax burdens