First Estate
Who were the members of the First Estate?
Clergy of the Roman Catholic Church.
What right did the nobility have regarding inheritance?
the eldest son had the right to inherit titles and lands.
What percentage was the composition of the Third Estate?
About 97% of the population, including various social groups.
What two words represented the ideals of the Revolution?
Liberty and Equality.
What was one tax exemption the clergy had?
They did not have to pay taxes.
What did the nobility pay in taxes?
They paid few, if any, taxes.
What groups were included in the Third Estate?
Bourgeoisie, laborers and artisans (urban workers), and peasants.
What did the bourgeoisie want for their sons?
They wanted their sons to have important positions in the church, army, and government.
How much of the population did the First Estate represent?
Less than 1% of the population.
What customs did the nobility maintain?
Wearing swords and primogeniture (the right of the eldest son to inherit titles and lands).
What hardships did peasants face?
They led miserable lives, paid heavy taxes, and owed feudal dues.
How did rising food prices affect the poor?
The poor blamed the king for allowing prices to get so high, leading to increased resentment.
What privileges did the clergy enjoy?
They did not have to pay taxes and could only be tried in church courts.
What was the role of the nobility in the Old Regime?
They held the highest positions in the army and government.
Who made up the bourgeoisie in the Third Estate?
City-dwelling middle class, including merchants, manufacturers, and professionals.
What economic factors contributed to discontent?
Rising food prices, stagnant wages, and the reestablishment of old feudal dues.
What fraction of land did the First Estate own?
About 1/10 of all French land.
What positions did nobles hold in society?
They held the highest positions in the army and government.
How did the laborers and artisans contribute to the Third Estate?
They were part of the working class and faced economic struggles.
What were the social impacts of the population growth?
Increased competition for jobs and resources, leading to greater discontent among the populace.