The traditional political, social, and economic system of France before 1789 was called the Old Regime. Under the Old Regime, the king was an absolute
monarch, the clergy and nobles enjoyed many privileges, and the commoners burdened by heavy taxes were denied any political rights. And, the people were divided into three rigid, istinct classes, called Estates.

The First Estate

The First Estate consisted of the clergy who were considered a privileged class. The Catholic Church, with its vast income from untaxed lands and from the tithe, was determined to prevent any restrictions whatever on its privileges.

The Second Estate

The Second Estate consisted of the nobles who enjoyed great wealth and
privileges. Nobles held the best and most profitable positions in the army,
government, and church. In addition, they were exempt from most taxes.

The Third Estate

The Third Estate, the unprivileged citizens, who paid taxes in money,
produce, and labor, consisted of the bourgeoisie (middle class), city workers,
and the peasantry. Although small in numbers, the bourgeoisie was the
wealthiest, most educated, and mos outspoken group within the Third
Estate. These lawyers, bankers, merchants, and businessmen resented
the fact that they were being taxed without any sort of representation, and
they were determined to remedy the situation. Peasants made up the largest
group within the Third Estate. In general, French peasants were better off
than peasants in other parts of Europe, but still they complained about the
burden of heavy taxes, and the Corvee or forced labor they had to perform.
Indeed, in the Old Regime, there were many deep-rooted abuses.

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