Which one of the following was an important political result of the French Revolution (1789) in terms of who gained dominant power within French society?

Introduction / Context:
The French Revolution (1789) was a landmark event in world history, transforming France from an absolute monarchy structured around feudal privileges into a society based more on principles of citizenship, rights, and legal equality. This question asks you to identify one major political result: which social group gained primary influence after the old order was dismantled.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event is the French Revolution beginning in 1789.
• The question is about political power, not just temporary events during the revolution.
• Different social groups in pre-revolutionary France included nobility, clergy, peasants, and the bourgeoisie (middle class).
• The options describe various possible outcomes, some clearly inaccurate.

Concept / Approach:
Before the revolution, power in France was concentrated in the hands of the monarchy, the nobility, and the higher clergy, supported by feudal privileges. The bourgeoisie—wealthy merchants, professionals, and educated middle classes—resented their exclusion from political power. The revolution systematically dismantled feudal privileges and opened political life to property-owning citizens, especially the bourgeoisie.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. The old regime's estates system gave the clergy and nobility special privileges, while the Third Estate (including the bourgeoisie) carried most of the tax burden.2. The revolution abolished feudal privileges and weakened both the traditional nobility and the Church as political powers.3. Although peasants gained from the abolition of feudal dues, they did not become the primary political rulers; many were focused on land and local concerns.4. The bourgeoisie, with their education, economic strength, and leadership roles in revolutionary assemblies, emerged as the dominant political class in post-revolutionary France.5. Far from restoring the Church or strengthening absolute monarchy, the revolution curtailed both institutions.6. Therefore, the most accurate political result is that power shifted to the bourgeoisie.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historians widely note that the French Revolution marked the political rise of the bourgeoisie. While the revolution had turbulent phases—such as the Reign of Terror and Napoleonic wars—the long-term structure of society changed in favour of the capitalist middle classes. Feudal privileges and the unquestioned authority of the Church and monarchy were permanently undermined, confirming that the middle classes emerged as the main long-term beneficiaries.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• France lost its spirit of nationalism: In fact, the revolution helped strengthen French nationalism, especially during wars against foreign powers.
• France enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity: The revolution was followed by years of internal conflict and wars across Europe; peace and stability did not immediately follow.
• The Church was restored to its former dominant role: On the contrary, the Church's lands were confiscated, and its political influence declined dramatically.
• Absolute monarchy became stronger than before: The revolution directly attacked absolute monarchy, eventually abolishing it and later replacing it with various republican and constitutional forms of government.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may focus too much on short-term revolutionary chaos and forget the long-term structural changes. Another mistake is to assume that peasants or the working poor became the dominant rulers, whereas in practice, the property-owning bourgeoisie captured most of the political benefits and institutional power.

Final Answer:
One important political result of the French Revolution was that political power shifted to the bourgeoisie.