Before revolution French society divided into three groups-

1.The clergy_it includes prist of the church and monks. they come under first estate. they charge taxes on third estate that is 1/3 of the total agricultural produce.

2.The Noble- it includes king, knights. they come under second estate. they charges taxes on 3rd estate.

3.The third estate _ it includes peasants. they were come under third estate. they had to pay both the taxes charge by 1st and 2nd estate.

Division of French Society Before the Revolution
Before the French Revolution in 1789, French society was divided into three distinct estates, each with its own rights and responsibilities.
First Estate: The Clergy
- The First Estate comprised the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church.
- It included high-ranking church officials like bishops and cardinals, as well as lower clergy such as priests and monks.
- The clergy enjoyed significant privileges, including exemption from many taxes and the right to collect tithes from the populace.
Second Estate: The Nobility
- The Second Estate consisted of the nobility, which included aristocrats and landowners.
- Nobles held considerable power and influence in society and the government.
- Like the clergy, they were largely exempt from taxes and enjoyed numerous feudal privileges, such as the right to collect dues from peasants working on their lands.
Third Estate: The Common People
- The Third Estate represented the vast majority of the population, encompassing peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class).
- It was further divided into subgroups:
- Peasants: The largest group, often living in poverty and burdened by heavy taxes.
- Urban Workers: Including artisans and laborers who faced harsh working conditions and low wages.
- Bourgeoisie: Wealthy merchants and professionals who sought political power and greater rights.
Social Tensions
- The stark contrast in privileges among the estates led to growing resentment, particularly among the Third Estate.
- Economic hardships, rising food prices, and the desire for equality fueled revolutionary sentiments.
The deep-rooted divisions within French society set the stage for the revolutionary upheaval that would soon follow, as the Third Estate sought to challenge the existing social order and demand their rights.