Final answer:
The ruling class was dealt a profound shock through events like the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ruling class was dealt a profound shock through various historical events. For example, in the French Revolution, the nobility and aristocracy were overthrown, which led to radical changes in the social and political order. Similarly, in the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Tsar's government was challenged by worker demonstrations and military support for the uprising, ultimately resulting in the abdication of the Tsar and the end of the monarchy.