**Assertion (A):** During the eighteenth century France witnessed the emergence of a middle class.
**Reason (R):** The emergence of the middle class happened on account of royal patronage.

During the eighteenth century, France did indeed witness the emergence of a middle class. This social class was composed of individuals who were neither nobles nor peasants, and they played a significant role in the social, economic, and political changes that took place during this time period.

**Factors leading to the emergence of the middle class in France:**

1. **Economic Factors:** The expansion of trade and commerce, along with the growth of urban centers, created new opportunities for individuals to engage in non-agricultural professions. This led to the rise of a class of merchants, traders, and industrialists who formed the core of the middle class.

2. **Education and Enlightenment:** The spread of education and the ideas of the Enlightenment played a crucial role in the rise of the middle class. Education provided individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in various professions, while Enlightenment ideas emphasized the importance of reason, individual rights, and social mobility.

3. **Bourgeoisie:** The bourgeoisie, a term used to describe the middle class, gained prominence during this period. They were often educated, wealthy, and held positions of power and influence. They played a crucial role in the economy as well as in the administration of the state.

4. **Social Mobility:** Unlike the rigid social structure of the ancien régime, where social status was determined by birth, the middle class offered opportunities for social mobility. Individuals could rise through the social ranks based on their skills, education, and wealth.

**Rebuttal of the Reason (R):** The emergence of the middle class in France cannot be solely attributed to royal patronage. While the monarchy did play a role in promoting certain individuals from the middle class, it was not the primary driving force behind their rise. The middle class emerged as a result of various factors such as economic changes, education, and Enlightenment ideas.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, the emergence of the middle class in eighteenth-century France was a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of economic, social, and intellectual factors. While royal patronage may have played a role in promoting certain individuals from the middle class, it was not the main cause of their rise. The middle class emerged as a result of changing economic conditions, increasing access to education, and the spread of Enlightenment ideas.

Correcta nswr is A