The Problems of the Third Estate during the French Revolution

During the French Revolution, the Third Estate faced numerous problems that eventually led to their uprising against the monarchy. The Third Estate, which included the common people of France, comprised the majority of the population but had limited political power and faced oppressive conditions. Here are the key problems they encountered:

Social Inequality:
1. Feudal System: The Third Estate was burdened with feudal obligations and had to pay taxes, provide labor, and offer other services to the nobility and clergy.
2. Tax Burden: The Third Estate had to bear the majority of the tax burden while the nobility and clergy enjoyed exemptions. They faced heavy direct and indirect taxes, including the taille (land tax) and gabelle (salt tax), which further impoverished them.

Economic Hardships:
1. Poverty: The Third Estate was predominantly made up of peasants, laborers, and urban workers who struggled to make ends meet. They faced high prices of essential goods, unemployment, and low wages.
2. Food Shortages: Famine and food scarcity were prevalent during this time, leading to increased food prices and starvation among the common people.

Lack of Political Representation:
1. Estates-General: The Third Estate had limited representation in the Estates-General, an assembly that advised the king on national issues. Despite comprising around 98% of the population, they were given only one-third of the total representation.
2. Absence of Voting Rights: The Third Estate did not have equal voting rights with the nobility and clergy. Decisions were typically made by the upper classes, leaving the common people marginalized and ignored.

Political Oppression:
1. Despotic Monarchy: The monarchy had absolute power and ruled without considering the needs and demands of the common people. The king's decisions often favored the interests of the nobility and clergy.
2. Censorship and Suppression: The monarchy imposed strict censorship and suppressed any dissenting voices. This limited the ability of the Third Estate to express their grievances and seek redress.

Conclusion:
The problems faced by the Third Estate during the French Revolution were deeply rooted in social inequality, economic hardships, lack of political representation, and political oppression. These grievances fueled their discontent and ultimately led to their demand for change and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy. The French Revolution brought about significant political and social transformations, marking a turning point in the history of France and inspiring movements for liberty, equality, and democracy worldwide.

They had to pay for the second state and first state