Question

Explain any 5 circumstances that helped the middle class in bringing social and economic changes in France in the 18th century?

Answer 1

The French Revolution was one of the greatest socio-political upheavals of European and World history. So dramatic was the event that its tremors can still occasionally be felt. In the popular imagination, the magical figure of 1789 conjures up conflicting images of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity alongside the tricoteuse and guillotine, and of a revolution that offered individual choice and freedom. From the time it started, until a decade, the revolutionaries brought many changes into France. The old French monarchy was removed from power, the social order of l’ancien regime was overturned and then a transformation of France’s religious institutions took place.

The French Revolution was so dynamic and so threatening that it could not be contained within France. The news alone of what was happening in France spread fear among those hoping to maintain the status quo, and stirred the hopes of others who were longing for a monumental change. Then, by the force of arms, the French revolutionaries carried the ideas and institutions of the revolution beyond its borders. Thus, the next half-century was dominated by French ideas and institutions and by French military expansion on a scale unmatched by any state since the days of Charlemagne.

In the 18th century, the old order in Europe rested on an alliance between the monarchy and the aristocracy. It was the age when the European powers were constantly waging wars for the acquisition and defence of newly acquired territories. Thus, there was a consistent need for the mobilization of resources to finance their militaristic ambitions. Those countries, where the kings sought to tax the aristocracy and restrict their privileges to increase state finances, a breach in this age-old alliance took place. In order to fully comprehend origins of such a crisis in France- the crisis of the l’ancien regime- the socio- economic conditions of 18th century France needs to be analysed.

Marxist historians like Lefebvre and Hobsbawm have studied the origins of the French Revolution based on its socio-economic factors. They believe the Revolution was brought about by the rise to power of an increasing capitalist wealthy bourgeoisie rebelling against the antiquated and restrictive feudal system. They also claim that discontent amongst the people was augmented by the fact that even though they had gained economic supremacy, their socio-political status remained by and large the same.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The circumstances which led to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were a combination of social, economic, political and Intellectual circumstances. These are discussed below

(i) Social The social order consisted of many inequalities. The privileged classes were the clergy and noblemen, the First and Second Estate respectively. They were exempt from paying taxes. The rest of the citizens belonged to the Third Estate and constituted the majority of the population.They did not have any political rights or social status, but paid all the taxes. So, they were very discontented.

(ii) Economic There was a financial crisis as the king's treasury was empty, The king's luxurious style of living and involvement in wars had made France very poor. There was no money to feed the poor when there was a bad crop.

(iii) Political The king ruled like an autocrat and the people had no voice in any decisions. The Estates General (French Parliament) had not been convened for many years. The administration was inefficient, corrupt and disorganized.

(iv) Intellectual At that time a number of philosophers refuted the theory of the divine right of kings to rule. They proclaimed a doctrine of sovereignty of the people and equality of all men. They stoked the fires of discontent by exposing the evil actions of the king and nobility.