Question

Why did the eighteenth century witness the emergence of social group termed the middle class

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 manufacturing of goods such as silk and woollen textiles that were either exported or purchased by the richer members of the society. The middle class was an educated class. In addition to merchants and manufacturers, this educated middle class also included professionals such as lawyers and administrative officials. They believed that no group in the society should be given privilege by birth. They believed that a person's social status should be based on merit only. These ideas were put forward by French Philosopher Rousseau. These ideas were discussed intensively in salons and coffee houses and spread awareness among people in the cities and towns of France. These ideas envisaged a society based on equality and freedom and opportunities for all and made the way smooth for the emergence of the middle class.

Answer 2

• Middle class was a social group that had earned their wealth through overseas trade and manufacture of goods.

• It included professionals as lawyers or administrative officials. They were educated and believed that:

(i) no group in the society should be privileged by birth.

(ii) person's social position must depend on his merit.

(iii) a society should be based on freedom and equal laws and opportunities for all.

(iv) Locke, Rousseau and Montesquieu were its main thinkers