What was the common view of nobility's privilege according to William Doyle?

The perspective offered by William Doyle suggests that the nobility's privilege extended beyond mere birthright to encompass a broader sentiment of entitlement among the wealthy. This view acknowledges that many wealthy individuals, not just those of noble birth, felt deserving of privileges typically associated with the aristocracy. Doyle's analysis highlights a significant social sentiment during revolutions, where wealth and social status played intertwined roles in the perceptions of privilege.

In contrast, the idea that privilege stemmed from birthright alone simplifies the complex social hierarchies that existed, as many wealthy individuals, regardless of their noble lineage, believed they ought to have access to similar privileges. Additionally, the notion that privilege was reserved exclusively for the aristocracy fails to capture the reality that many affluent merchants and landowners also demanded respect and rights associated with higher social status. Lastly, representing privilege as something deemed unnecessary by most overlooks the significant differences in social views and the deep-seated beliefs about social order and economics prevalent at the time. Therefore, the correct choice reflects a nuanced understanding of how privilege was perceived and claimed in society rather than a narrow definition tied to birth or status alone.