he helped the americans fight a war with britain
which caused a huge debt in france
he couldnt control the nobles- he coudlnt tax them even though it was necessary since they had the most money, and france really needed the money.
it was said that his wife, marie antoinette, ruled for him , since he didnt know what to do and she took control. she didnt seem to care much for the people and so would be a poor leader