Question

Assertion (A): During the eighteenth century France witnessed the emergence of the middle class.
Reason (R): The emergence of the middle class happened on the account of royal patronage.
A) A is true, R is false
B) A is false, R is true
C) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
D) Both A and Rare true and R is the correct explanation of A

Answer 1

Hint: During the18th century France became a laboratory of social and political theories. The society was feudal in character, ruled by an absolute monarchy, and was divided into three estates: First estate- clergy, Second estate- nobles and Third estate- peasants. Wealth and political rights were unequally divided among these three estates.

Complete answer:
About 90% of the population belonged to the third estate and had no political rights while having the absolute burden of taxation. First and second estates were exempted from paying tax, owned the land, and enjoyed many privileges and luxuries.

During these social conditions, the renaissance and the period of enlightenment together brought the ideas of equality, liberty, and fraternity and along with it a new class with wealth grew within the third estate which worked for money rather than inheriting it. This middle class, consisting of merchants, traders, lawyers, artists, government servants, workers, etc grew in size and wealth but never gained political representation and rights that they deserved. This became one of the main reasons that led to social tension during the French Revolution.

The middle class became the flag bearer of the French Revolution that eventually led to the downfall of the monarchy and feudal system and brought the concept of modern democracy. It is said that from the 'Kingdom of subjects' France became a nation of citizens.

Hence during the eighteenth century, France witnessed the emergence of the middle class but it didn't happen on the account of royal patronage.

Thus the correct answer is Option (A) i.e, A is true but R is false.

Note: Prominent philosophers that influenced the French revolution were Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire. Montesquieu advocated for a constitutional form of government and introduced the separation of power. Rousseau gave the theory of social contract and Voltaire worked against superstitions and for religious tolerance.