Question

what led to the emergence of the middle class in the 18th century

Answer 1

Increased overseas trade is the right answer.  

In the 18th century France, there emerged a new group called the Middle Class. Their main occupation was overseas trade and the production of goods like woolen and silk textiles. The goods manufactured by this class were often bought by a rich section of society. Moreover, some of them were lawyers or administrative officials. This group condemned the idea of privileges by birth and gave more value to the qualities of a person.

Answer 2

In the 18th century, the middle class was a social group who acquired their assets by developing across trade and from the production of goods such as silk and woolen textile. The most important reason for the emergence of the middle class in France was the exploitative condition of the third estate and the rights enjoyed by the upper two estates. The members of this group were well educated. They opposed the idea of privilege by birth and promoted the social status based on merit. Moreover, they sustained that a society should be based on equal laws and opportunities for all.