What did Arthur young mean when he said the whole country is in greatest agitation?

Arthur Young, a prominent English agriculturalist and writer, was referring to the intense social and political unrest sweeping through France in the late 1780s and early 1790s, which ultimately culminated in the French Revolution.

Here's a breakdown of what he meant:

* "Whole country": Young was traveling extensively through France at the time, observing the widespread discontent and anger among the population.

* "Greatest agitation": This phrase encapsulates the palpable sense of turmoil and upheaval that pervaded French society.

* Causes of the agitation:

* Economic hardship: The French peasantry, particularly in rural areas, faced extreme poverty, high taxes, and unfair feudal obligations.

* Political inequality: The French monarchy held absolute power, while the privileged nobility and clergy enjoyed tax exemptions and extravagant lifestyles.

* Food shortages and inflation: Poor harvests and government mismanagement contributed to rising food prices, further straining the already impoverished population.

* Enlightenment ideas: The spread of Enlightenment ideas, advocating for individual rights, liberty, and popular sovereignty, challenged the existing social order.

Young's observations were significant because they documented the growing discontent that ultimately led to the French Revolution. His writings provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions that fueled the revolution, highlighting the deep-seated grievances and anxieties that had long simmered beneath the surface of French society.