What major change did the French Revolution represent in terms of social structure?

The French Revolution marked a significant change in social structure, primarily illustrating a shift towards democratic governance. Prior to the Revolution, France was characterized by an absolute monarchy where the king wielded complete power, and the society was rigidly divided into estates, with the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) Estates holding most privileges and power, while the Third Estate (common people) bore the tax burden and had little political influence.

With the Revolution, the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity gained prominence, challenging the established order. The revolutionaries sought to dismantle the feudal system and the absolute monarchy, advocating for a society where representatives could be elected, and citizens had a voice in their governance. This democratization underpinned notable events such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which laid the foundation for modern democratic principles. As a result, the Revolution fundamentally shifted the socio-political landscape of France, leading to the rise of republicanism and diminishing the power of the aristocracy and the monarchy.

This dramatic transformation highlights why the correct answer is a shift towards democratic governance, as it encapsulates the essence of the social changes brought about by the French Revolution.