Question

Name the categories which constitute the French society.

Answer 1

Hint: The French Society was split into three classes during the eighteenth century. Such communities have been called estates. There were three kinds of groups: First Estate, Second Estate and Third Estate.

Complete answer:
First estate - The clergy belonged to the first estate of the French Society of the time. They were land holders. They received a tax from the peasants called 'tithe'(A tax imposed by the church, consisting of one-tenth of the agricultural produce). Several rights and political and economic compromises were open to the clergy. They have been exempted from paying taxes, for instance. They also interfered in state politics. They had become the love of joy.

Second class - The aristocracy belonged to the second estate of the French Society at that time. A substantial part of the land was in their hands. They enjoyed political and financial rights, too. They, too, were tax exempt. Political, military and judicial positions on a hereditary basis have enriched them.A collection of laws separate from those intended for the members of the third estate is regulated by them. The principal aspects of their lives were comfort and enjoyment.

Third estate: - The third estate of French society at that time was further split into three groups. The first group of the 3rd estate was owned by major traders, merchants, court officials, lawyers, etc. This was a well educated class. Their financial position has been fine. In spite of this the standard of this class has been robbed of higher administrative positions. They lifted their voice to win prestige and privileges against the monarchy. The second group included peasants and artisans. They were cruelly crushed.

Note: Their situation was miserable. And the lower middle class of peasants belonged to the third group, landless labor, and were known as the lowest class in society. All kinds of taxes, including taille, crown tax to the king, wajam tax (income tax), salt tax, etc. were to be paid by representatives of the third state.