Who paid the most taxes in France during the late 1700s?
A.
common people
B.
the king
C.
clergy
D.
nobles
C. clergy
During the late 1700s, the tax system in France was quite complex and varied. The group that paid the most taxes in France during this period were the common people, Option A. However, it's important to note that the amount of taxes paid by each group varied significantly.
To arrive at this answer, we can look at the historical context of the French taxation system. Before the French Revolution, the tax burden was disproportionately placed on the lower classes, which included the common people. They were burdened with a multitude of direct and indirect taxes, including the taille (a direct tax), gabelle (salt tax), and others. These taxes were imposed by the monarchy to maintain their lavish lifestyle and finance wars.
On the other hand, the clergy (Option C) and the nobles (Option D) enjoyed certain privileges that exempted them from many taxes. The clergy, particularly the higher-ranking members of the Catholic Church, such as bishops and abbots, were exempt from most taxes and instead paid a voluntary contribution known as the "don gratuit" or gift donation. Similarly, the nobles were also exempt from many taxes and had enjoyed feudal privileges for centuries.
While the king (Option B) may have controlled the tax system and could impose taxes when necessary, he himself was exempt from paying taxes. The monarchy relied on the taxes collected from the common people to support the state's finances and fund the king's expenditures.
Therefore, considering the overall tax burden and who actually paid the most taxes, the common people in France during the late 1700s can be identified as the group that paid the most taxes.