California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The idea that a strong middle class was NOT a cause of the French Revolution is correct because, while the middle class did play a significant role in driving revolutionary change, their strength was often a reaction to existing conditions rather than a direct cause of the revolution itself. The financial strain from the monarchy, the inequitable class structure, and the economic hardships stemming from bad harvests were the foundational issues that incited the revolutionary fervor among the population.

The financial debt of the monarchy created significant instability, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and ultimately revolution. The inequitable class structure divided society into distinct classes with the Third Estate, which encompassed the common people, feeling the brunt of burdens, fueling demands for change. Similarly, bad harvests and resulting economic difficulties intensified the struggles of the lower classes and eroded their trust in the monarchy. Therefore, while the burgeoning influence of the middle class was a critical element in the revolution, it was not a definitive cause of the revolutionary movement itself.