Within the last several years there has been talk of a dwindling middle class as the wealth gap continues to increases. Some methods of thought put the middle class as the backbone of a strong economy and country.
I was curious about the middle class of various civilizations throughout different ages. Did they even have a middle class? Were they given the same thought that they are now? Were they crucial to the stability and economy of that civilization?
I realize this may be a broad question but I'm not looking for a specific answer on a specific civilization.
Well in England, the middle class was responsible for bringing Britain into the capitalist age. They also weakened the rule of the Aristocrats and provided the lower class with a way out of poverty. They are also the reason why British Parliament has a house of Lords and a house of Commons.