A growing middle class envisages the end to priveleges Flashcards
Why did the peasants not carry out full-scale measures in order to bring social and economic order?
Though they participated in revolts against increase in taxes and food scarcity, they lacked the means and thus this job was left to the more prosperous parts of the 3rd estate.
What was the new social group that emerged in the 18th century? How did they earn their wealth?
a) Middle class
d) Expanding overseas trade from textiles (wool, silk) which was either a) exported or b) bought by the richer members of the society.
What were the professions in the 3rd estate?
Merchants, manufacturers, lawyers and administrative officials
What did these men believe in?
They believed that no group in the society must be privileged by birth, rather must depend on their merit.
Who were the philosophers who put such ideas forth?
1) John Locke and 2) Jean Jacques Rosseau.
1) Two treatises of the govt : refute doctrine of the divine & the absolute right of the monarch.
2) Rosseau carried the idea forward, suggesting a form of govt based on social contract between the people and their reps.
What idea did Montesquieu propose and where was it put to effect?
In his book ‘The spirit of the laws he suggested a form of govt in which there was a division of power between the legislature, executive and judiciary.
It was put to effect in the 13 American colonies inspiring many political thinkers of Frances.
How did these ideas spread?
a) discussed intensely in salons and coffee houses and spread among ppl through books and newspapers.
2) Read out loud for the benefit of the illiterate.
