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The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France
The Three Estates of pre-revolutionary France were the hierarchical social divisions that structured society under the Ancien Régime (French for "Old Regime," a term coined after the French Revolution to describe the pre-revolutionary system of government and society).
- The First Estate consisted of the clergy, who held significant influence, controlled vast wealth, and were exempt from most taxes.
- The Second Estate comprised the nobility, who enjoyed privileges such as tax exemptions and held key positions in government and the military.
- The Third Estate comprised the commoners, including peasants, laborers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class), who shouldered the bulk of taxation.
This social order had roots in medieval feudalism. Still, by the late 18th century, it had become increasingly outdated and unjust, leading to widespread discontent that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.
