Question

revolution in france
economic hardship sparks unrest
in the mid - to - late 1700s, economic hardship ignited unrest among french citizens,
eventually leading to the
french revolution.

• france’s assistance to america during the american revolution (1775 - 1781) led

many to question why they had helped americans gain freedom from monarchy,
when they, themselves, did not enjoy the same freedom

• economic downturns led to increased hardship among citizens, while king louis

xvi and marie antoinette enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

• french society consisted of three “estates.” the first estate consisted of the clergy;

the second estate consisted of the nobility, and the rest of the population made
up the third estate

• in the estates general, each estate had one vote, which essentially kept the

common people from having any real say in government. however, they, the
third estate, were the only segment of the population that was taxed.
what did the estates general reveal about the distribution
of power in french society?
it showcased the unity among the clergy, nobility, and commoners.
it illustrated the dominance of the working class.
it highlighted the unequal distribution of power among different social
classes.
it demonstrated the equal representation of all social classes.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The Estates General had the First (clergy), Second (nobility) and Third (commoners) Estates. The First and Second Estates often voted together against the Third, so there was no unity among them. So this option is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: The working class was part of the Third Estate, which had no real power (each estate had one vote, and the First and Second could outvote the Third). So the working class was not dominant. This option is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: The First Estate (clergy) and Second Estate (nobility) each had one vote, and the Third Estate (commoners, including working class) also had one vote. But the First and Second could team up to outvote the Third. Also, the Third Estate was the only taxed group. This shows that power was unequally distributed - clergy and nobility had more power and privileges (like not being taxed) compared to the commoners. So this option is correct.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Since the First and Second Estates could outvote the Third, and the Third was the only taxed group, representation was not equal. This option is incorrect.

Answer:

It highlighted the unequal distribution of power among different social classes.