describe the division of french society before the french revolution??...
The French society was divided into three Estates:
First Estate: It comprised of the church and the clergy. They enjoyed certain privileges by birth. They were exempted from paying taxes to the state.
Second Estate: In the second estate were the nobles and other rich members. They were also exempted from paying taxes. They also enjoyed feudal privileges. They were also paid feudal dues from the peasants.
Third Estate: About 90 per cent of the population was peasants. They were obliged to work in the fields of their landlords as well as in their houses, and also serve in the army. They were paying all direct taxes like ‘taille’ and a number of indirect taxes also like taxes on the articles of everyday consumption.
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describe the division of french society before the french revolution??...
The French society was divided into three states ,first estate clergy consist of the church people,father, the second estate nobility consist of the kings family and rich people and the third estate consist of peasants, big businessmen, lawyers,some rich people, shopkeepers, labourers,court officials etc.
1) the 1st and 2nd estate had certain privileges by birth
2) 2nd estate had one of the privilege of feudalism
3) the most important privilege was that the exemption of taxes
4) the third estate was only responsible for taxes
5) there were two taxes,indirect and direct, in direct taxes the 'tithes' was levied by the church from 3rd estate and the 'tallies' was levied by the state and indirect taxes was levied in tobacco,salt,articles from the 3rd estate.
describe the division of french society before the french revolution??...
Division of French Society before the French Revolution
Introduction:
Before the French Revolution, French society was divided into three distinct social classes or estates. These divisions were based on the traditional feudal system that had been in place for centuries.
The First Estate - Clergy:
- The First Estate was composed of the clergy, which included bishops, priests, and other religious officials.
- They were exempt from paying taxes and owned vast amounts of land.
- The Church played a significant role in society and had immense influence over the people.
The Second Estate - Nobility:
- The Second Estate consisted of the nobility, including the aristocracy and the royal family.
- They held high positions in the government, military, and judiciary.
- The nobility enjoyed privileges such as exemption from taxes and access to top positions in society.
- They owned large estates and lived luxurious lifestyles.
The Third Estate - Commoners:
- The Third Estate comprised the majority of the population and was further divided into various subgroups.
- The bourgeoisie consisted of wealthy merchants, professionals, and businessmen who were educated and often held prominent positions.
- The urban working class included artisans, laborers, and shopkeepers.
- The rural peasantry formed the largest group within the Third Estate, working as farmers and agricultural laborers.
- The Third Estate faced numerous challenges, including high taxes, poverty, and limited social mobility.
Social Inequality and Unfairness:
- The First and Second Estates held significant power and wealth, while the Third Estate faced economic hardships.
- The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxes, while the burden of taxation fell heavily on the Third Estate.
- The Third Estate had limited access to education, political representation, and social mobility.
- The social divisions created a sense of inequality and resentment among the commoners.
Conclusion:
The division of French society before the French Revolution was characterized by stark inequalities and unfairness. The privileged First and Second Estates enjoyed vast wealth and power, while the majority of the population in the Third Estate struggled with poverty and limited opportunities. These social divisions and the grievances of the Third Estate played a significant role in fueling the revolutionary sentiments that ultimately led to the French Revolution.
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