The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France

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Simeon Netchev
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published on 16 September 2024
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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 Still, by the late 18th century, it had become increasingly outdated and unjust, leading to widespread discontent that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher passionate about the human stories behind past events. He believes every image should tell a story and spark interaction, while each map leads on a journey, blending imagination with education.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2024, September 16). The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified September 16, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Sep 2024. Web. 21 Feb 2025.

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