Question

How did the three estates, enlightenment ideas, economic crisis, weak leadership contribute to the revolutionary mood in france?

Answer 1

Three Estates : The french society was divided into three estates-the clergy or first estate, the nobility or second estate and commons or third estate. The first two estate though constitute a microscopic minority controlled more than 95% of french wealth and land. They did not pay any tax and lived a luxurious life. They made the third estate to work in their homes and fields and exploited them in many ways. On the other hand the third estate constitute more than 95% of french population but controlled roughly 5% of french wealth and land. They alone had to pay taxes to the king. So this inequality and exploitation made them to go against the king. Moreover they were provided leadership and inspiration by bourgeois class who despite having wealth and status were put in third estate. So in this way the three estate contributed to mood of revolution.

Enlightenment ideas :  The enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality inspired the french people particularly third estate and thus contributed to the mood of revolution in France.

Economic Crises : There were economic bankruptcy during the period due to unfair tax structure, outdated medieval bureaucratic institutions and empty treasury due to lavish spending by king and nobility. It also contributed to the french revolution.

Weak leadership : The king Lious XI was a weak and efficient ruler. He was busy in luxurious life when the country was suffering economic and political turmoil which also contributed to the mood of revolution in France.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

The Three States were formed by these social classes in France: the peasants, very poor people that lived by the day; the workers and the Bourgeoise, that represented the middle class in France. They were heavy taxed by the monarchy and the people could not afford enough money yo pay taxes and make a living. They lived a desperate situation.

The Enlightenment ideas influence people with never before considered issues such as liberty, freedom of speech, and equality. People started to question the legitimacy of the king and the expensive monarchy. The problems hit bottom with the economic crisis. People worked but they did not have enough to make a living, barely surviving. Business went bankruptcy, people had no more, many of them were dying, diseases spread, they had no options but to fight.