Question 1 - Teachoo Sample Paper - Social Science Class 9 - Paper 2 - Teachoo Sample Paper - Social Science Class 9

Last updated at April 16, 2024 by Teachoo

Which of the following was NOT a factor that contributed to France's financial crisis in the 18th century?

Answer:

So, the correct answer is option (D): All members of the third estate were exempted from paying taxes to the state.

A Society of Estates in France during the French Revolution - Teachoo.png

(A) Long years of war drained the financial resources of France - This is a significant factor that contributed to France's financial crisis in the 18th century. France fought a series of wars, including the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War, which drained the financial resources of the country. So, this option is incorrect .❌

(B)Maintaining an extravagant court at the immense Palace of Versailles - Maintaining the court at Versailles was a major expenditure for the French government. The palace was home to the royal family and their courtiers and required a large staff to maintain it. This expense contributed to the financial difficulties faced by France. So, this option is incorrect .❌
(C)Helping the thirteen American colonies to gain their independence from Britain - This also contributed to France's financial crisis. France provided military and financial support to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, which added to the country's already substantial debt. So, this option is incorrect .❌
(D)All members of the third estate were exempted from paying taxes to the state - This statement is not true. In fact, members of the third estate, which included the majority of the French population, paid a disproportionately high share of taxes compared to the nobility and clergy. This contributed to the widespread resentment of the tax system and was a factor in the French Revolution. So, this option is correct .✅

Thus, option (D): All members of the third estate were exempted from paying taxes to the state is correct.