What message is Young trying to convey here? Whom does he mean when he speaks of ‘slaves’? Who is he criticising? What dangers does he sense in the situation of 1787?

Source A

Accounts of lived experiences in the Old Regime

1. Georges Danton, who later became active in revolutionary politics, wrote to a friend in 1793, looking back upon the time when he had just completed his studies:
   ‘I was educated in the residential college of Plessis. There I was in the company of important men … Once my studies ended, I was left with nothing. I started looking for a post. It was impossible to find one at the law courts in Paris. The choice of a career in the army was not open to me as I was not a noble by birth, nor did I have a patron. The church too could not offer me a refuge. I could not buy an office as I did not possess a sou. My old friends turned their backs to me … the system had provided us with an education without however offering a field where our talents could be utilised.’
2. An Englishman, Arthur Young, travelled through France during the years from 1787 to 1789 and wrote detailed descriptions of his journeys. He often commented on what he saw.
   ‘He who decides to be served and waited upon by slaves, ill-treated slaves at that, must be fully aware that by doing so he is placing his property and his life in a situation which is very different from that he would be in, had he chosen the services of free and welltreated men. And he who chooses to dine to the accompaniment of his victims’ groans, should not complain if during a riot his daughter gets kidnapped or his son’s throat is slit.’

Young's message revolves around the oppressive nature of the monarchy and the aristocracy, as well as the plight of the common people who are treated as "slaves" by those in power. He likely aims to advocate for social reform and greater equality in society.

He is using the term 'slaves' for common people. When Young speaks of "slaves," he's likely referring to the common people, particularly the peasants and lower classes who were heavily oppressed and exploited by the monarchy and the aristocracy.

Young criticizes the French monarchy and the aristocracy for their oppressive rule and their disregard for the well-being of the common people.

In the situation of 1787, Young likely senses the dangers of social unrest and revolution brewing due to the extreme inequality and injustice in society. The oppressive policies of the monarchy and the aristocracy were fueling resentment and discontent among the common people, leading to the potential for widespread rebellion and upheaval. Young may have been warning against the dangers of maintaining such an unjust social order without addressing the grievances of the oppressed masses.