Common Sense By Thomas Paine: A Key Cause Of The French Revolution
958 Words4 Pages
Brittany Como
Mr. Foley
Pre-A.P. English 28 May 2014
A Key Cause of the French Revolution As the famous author of "Common Sense", Thomas Paine, once said, "Kill the king but spare the man"("Quotes"). During the French Revolution, the lower class was not given the same treatment that was given to the upper class and the aristocracy. This Revolution was a reflection of the feelings of hatred toward the upper class from the angry lower class. The actions and events that happened during this time were a result of such feelings that had been building up over time. A major cause of the French Revolution was the lower class's resentment towards the unjust aristocracy. Leading up to the Revolution, the Enlightenment caused the lower class to change…show more content… These citizens wanted to do something about this issue because it was so important to them. Decisions made about politics were always in favor of the higher people in society("French Revolution"). Without a say in politics, the lower class simply had no power. Knowing that decisions in the government were being made without regard to them, the common people acted upon this with a revolt. As the article "French Revolution" noted, "The peasants, already burdened by the food shortages, were increasingly aware of the injustice of the feudal system, whereby the nobles enriched themselves through the toil and taxes of the commoners." This statement shows that while the poor were suffering, the rich were living in luxury right in front of the lower class's eyes. This was the upper class's way of showing off their power and riches, trying to make sure the lower class knew that they had none. In doing this, they paid no regard to the lower class or their…show more content… The working class was considered to be part of the lower class, but since it became harder and harder to find jobs, the unemployed became part of an even lower class than the workers. They had no wealth, no shelter, and no support. The article "French Revolution" points out, "Some 50% of people in urban areas were unemployed. Successive bad harvest made the situation perilous." Because of this unemployment rate, even less power was handed to the lower class. The lack of jobs and resources left the common people miserable and greatly lacking in authority. With this further deficiency of power added to the struggle to survive, the lower class somehow fell further down the aristocratic ladder. The upper class didn't do anything to help, just letting it happen and only caring about