A societal structure prevalent in pre-Revolutionary France, this system divided the population into three distinct orders. The First Estate comprised the clergy, wielding significant religious and political influence. The Second Estate consisted of the nobility, holding hereditary titles and privileges, including exemption from many taxes. The Third Estate encompassed the vast majority of the population, from peasants and urban workers to merchants and professionals, bearing the brunt of taxation and lacking the privileges afforded to the other two orders. This rigid hierarchy shaped social, economic, and political life.
This system’s inherent inequalities fueled social unrest and played a crucial role in the French Revolution. The disproportionate burden placed on the Third Estate, coupled with the perceived excesses and indifference of the privileged classes, led to widespread resentment and ultimately, revolutionary action. Understanding this framework is vital for comprehending the causes and consequences of this pivotal event in European and world history. The structure dictated land ownership, legal standing, and access to power, creating a system ripe for upheaval.
