Question

Who constituted the middle class in French Society ?How did they participate in the French Revolution ? Describe
CBSE Class IX Social Science LA (5 Marks)

Answer 1

The eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of social groups, termed as middle class, who earned their wealth through an expanding overseas trade and from the manufacture of goods such as woollen and silk textiles that were either exported or bought by the richer members of the society. In addition to merchants and manufacturers, the educated in the third estate including professionals like lawyers administrative officials and court officials were also in the middle class. They believed that no group in society would be privileged by birth. 
The middle class were the educated ones who first posed an intellectual challenge to King's dominance. Many were technically lower members of the aristocracy, who sought to abolish the monarchy. It was the middle class who created the National constituent Assembly, a sort of parliament, which they said was elected and representative of the people. The National Constituent Assembly advocated fundamental human rights for the peasants and stirred them into rebellion and also led the peasants during and after the revolution.

Answer 2

wealthy middle class emerged in the 18th century. they got their wealth by overseas trading and manufacturing of goods. Most of them were highly qualified.

They believed that no group should be privileged by birth. They were influenced by philosophers and wanted to build a society having freedom, equal laws and opportunities.