Final answer:
Criticism of the French nobility, King Louis XVI, and the clergy was fueled by Enlightenment ideas, economic inequities, and tax exemptions enjoyed by the elites. The French Revolution's radical actions further polarized opinions on the nobility and monarchy, leading to a varying degree of support and condemnation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criticism directed at the French nobility, King Louis XVI, and the clergy stemmed from a multitude of factors influenced heavily by the Enlightenment. Philosophers such as John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu promoted the philosophy of natural rights and checks on governmental power, which inspired the French populace. This, coupled with the French aristocracy and clergy enjoying significant privileges and wealth—including exemption from taxes—while the commoners bore the economic burden, led to widespread discontent. Financial strain intensified due to the king’s excessive spending and the costs incurred from supporting the American Revolutionary War.
The French nobility, second in line to the clergy, controlled a large portion of the country's lands and enjoyed prestigious roles, exacerbating social inequalities. During the French Revolution, which began in 1789, the monarchy and aristocracy were subject to intense criticism for corruption and decadence, leading to radical changes including the eventual execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The Reign of Terror further illustrated to many, including figures like Edmund Burke and Alexander Hamilton, the dangers of unchecked revolutionary fervor and rapid change. Nevertheless, others such as Thomas Jefferson saw the upheaval as a pivotal moment in overthrowing oppressive monarchical structures.