Explain the organisation of French society. Related: Detailed Chapter...
The organisation of French society before the French Revolution was divided into three estates or classes. Each estate had its own privileges and obligations.
First Estate: Clergy
The First Estate consisted of the clergy, who were exempt from paying taxes and held a lot of power and influence in society. They were divided into two groups: the higher clergy, consisting of bishops and abbots, and the lower clergy, consisting of priests and monks.
Second Estate: Nobility
The Second Estate consisted of the nobility or aristocracy. They also enjoyed privileges and were exempt from paying taxes, but they were not as powerful as the clergy. The nobility was divided into two groups: the nobility of the sword, who were descendants of medieval knights, and the nobility of the robe, who had bought their titles.
Third Estate: Commoners
The Third Estate consisted of the commoners, who made up the majority of the population. They were further divided into three groups: the bourgeoisie, who were wealthy merchants and professionals, the peasants, who were farmers and laborers, and the urban poor, who were unskilled workers and beggars.
Impact of organisation on French society
This organisation of French society created a lot of social and economic inequality. The clergy and nobility enjoyed many privileges and held a lot of power, while the commoners had few rights and were heavily taxed. This inequality led to resentment and dissatisfaction among the commoners, who felt that they were being exploited by the upper classes.
The French Revolution was a direct result of this inequality and the desire of the commoners to overthrow the existing social and political order. The Revolution brought about significant changes in French society, including the abolition of feudal privileges and the establishment of a more egalitarian society.
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