During the French Revolution, the Estates in France referred to the three social classes or orders in French society: the First Estate, the Second Estate, and the Third Estate. These estates determined an individual's legal and social status in society.
1. First Estate: The First Estate was composed of the clergy of the Catholic Church. This included bishops, priests, and other religious figures. They held a significant amount of power and authority in society and were exempt from paying taxes. They also owned substantial amounts of land, which generated income and further reinforced their privileged position.
2. Second Estate: The Second Estate consisted of the nobility or the aristocracy. This included noble families, such as dukes, counts, and barons. The nobility held immense wealth, land, and privileges. Similar to the clergy, they were exempt from paying taxes, which burdened the Third Estate. They also held important positions in the government and the military.
3. Third Estate: The Third Estate was the largest and most diverse estate, comprising the rest of the population. It consisted of commoners, bourgeoisie (wealthy middle class), and peasants. The Third Estate had limited political power and was burdened with heavy taxation. They faced economic hardships and inequalities, which led to the social and political unrest that ultimately sparked the French Revolution.
This assembly was composed of three estates – the clergy, nobility and commoners – who had the power to decide on the levying of new taxes and to undertake reforms in the country. The opening of the Estates General, on 5 May 1789 in Versailles, also marked the start of the French Revolution.
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During the French Revolution, the Estates in France referred to the three social classes or orders in French society: the First Estate, the Second Estate, and the Third Estate. These estates determined an individual's legal and social status in society.
1. First Estate: The First Estate was composed of the clergy of the Catholic Church. This included bishops, priests, and other religious figures. They held a significant amount of power and authority in society and were exempt from paying taxes. They also owned substantial amounts of land, which generated income and further reinforced their privileged position.
2. Second Estate: The Second Estate consisted of the nobility or the aristocracy. This included noble families, such as dukes, counts, and barons. The nobility held immense wealth, land, and privileges. Similar to the clergy, they were exempt from paying taxes, which burdened the Third Estate. They also held important positions in the government and the military.
3. Third Estate: The Third Estate was the largest and most diverse estate, comprising the rest of the population. It consisted of commoners, bourgeoisie (wealthy middle class), and peasants. The Third Estate had limited political power and was burdened with heavy taxation. They faced economic hardships and inequalities, which led to the social and political unrest that ultimately sparked the French Revolution.
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This assembly was composed of three estates – the clergy, nobility and commoners – who had the power to decide on the levying of new taxes and to undertake reforms in the country. The opening of the Estates General, on 5 May 1789 in Versailles, also marked the start of the French Revolution.