Unfair Class And Ridiculous Tax System example essay topic

French Revolution The actions of the late eighteenth century, which saw the overthrowing of the feudal system and a great change in power, was the cause of political, social and economical discontent. The French revolution was a collision between a powerful, rising bourgeoisie and an entrenched aristocracy defending its privileges and system of government. Discontent shown by the occupants of France was the result of a poor class structure, unreasonable tax system and the luxurious lifestyle lived by the royal family. The luxurious lifestyle of the king and his family caused much dissatisfaction among the lower French society.

France's king and leader King Louis XVI lived an extravagant lifestyle with his wife Marie Antoinette in the Palace of Versailles. He was a poor decision maker and an insecure leader. "He did not have the qualities needed by a man born to be a leader" Noble Member of Parliament. He spent a great deal of his income entertaining himself and others and as a consequence, King Louis XVI was facing financial ruin. Instead of changing his spendthrift way of living, the king decided to acquire money through taxing the lower classes or selling places in nobility. France's class structure was poorly constructed and unjust.

The first estate was comprised of the members of the church and clergy. The second estate were the nobility of France and like the first estate, they enjoyed many privileges such as paying little or no tax. The third estate consisted of workers, lawyers, doctors, bourgeoisie (middle class) and peasants (80% of Frances population). They had little money and had to pay large taxes. They enjoyed no privileges.

The unfair class and ridiculous tax system resulted in a frustration at the French government. The third estate owned little land and possessions yet still had the burden of having to pay many taxes. They had to pay land and income tax, tax to the church and the gabelle (salt tax). The tax would sometime total to around three quarters of their yearly income. The king needed additional money to help him get out of his financial problem, when he imposed more taxes the third estate led by the bourgeoisie rose up against the king. This evidence shows that the unfairness shown to the third class resulted in a collision between a powerful, rising bourgeoisie and an entrenched aristocracy defending its privileges.

The poorly set up social system, the unreasonable taxing and the extravagant lifestyle by the monarchy in contrast to that of the third class resulted in resentment that ultimately led up to Frances lower class rising up and introducing a constitution. The end of upper class privileges and the beginning of equal rights..