Why did the continuation of noble privileges anger the middle class?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It valued birth over merit
The middle class was angered because noble privileges preserved a social order in which birth mattered more than merit. Educated professionals, merchants and prosperous citizens could possess knowledge, property and useful skills, yet they remained below nobles in status and political influence simply because they were not born into a privileged estate. This contradicted their belief that achievement and ability should determine opportunity. Free education, automatic ennoblement of merchants and higher workers’ wages were not the central effects of noble privilege. The conflict was therefore between hereditary advantage and merit-based equality, making option A correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It valued birth over merit
Why is this the correct answer?
The middle class was angered because noble privileges preserved a social order in which birth mattered more than merit. Educated professionals, merchants and prosperous citizens could possess knowledge, property and useful skills, yet they remained below nobles in status and political influence simply because they were not born into a privileged estate. This contradicted their belief that achievement and ability should determine opportunity. Free education, automatic ennoblement of merchants and higher workers’ wages were not the central effects of noble privilege. The conflict was therefore between hereditary advantage and merit-based equality, making option A correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 History question. Chapter: The French Revolution. Topic: French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
