Estates-General, also called States General, French États-Généraux, in France of the pre-Revolution monarchy, the representative assembly of the three “estates,” or orders of the realm: the clergy (First Estate) and nobility (Second Estate)—which were privileged minorities—and the Third Estate, which represented the …

Who made up the First Estate second estate and Third Estate in France at the beginning of the French Revolution?

The best-known system is a three-estate system of the French Ancien Régime used until the French Revolution (1789–1799). This system was made up of clergy (the First Estate), nobility (the Second Estate), and commoners (the Third Estate).

Who made up the 2nd estates?

The Second Estate consisted of the nobility of France, including members of the royal family, except for the King. Members of the Second Estate did not have to pay any taxes. They were also awarded special priviliges, such as the wearing a sword and hunting.

What percentage makes up the 1st estate 2nd estate 3rd estate?

The first estate was the wealthiest one and only made up . 5 percent of the population and owned 10 percent of the land, didn’t pay taxes, and was made of clergy members of the church. The second estatemad up only 1.5 percent of the population and owned 20 percent of the land.

Did the 1st estate pay taxes?

They were virtually exempt from paying taxes of any kind. They collected rent from the peasant population who lived on their lands. They also collected taxes on salt, cloth, bread, wine and the use mills, granaries, presses and ovens.

Who are the 1st and 3rd estates in France?

1st estate -1% of population -made up higher and lower Roman catholic clergy -owned 10% of french land -often enjoyed grand lifestyles paid for by the tithe money 2nd Estate -2% of the population -held high posts in the military and government -made up of nobility -main income was fuedal dues -own 25% of French land 3rd Estate

Who are the members of the Second Estate?

Members of the Second Estate did not have to pay any taxes. They were also awarded special priviliges, such as the wearing a sword and hunting. Like the clergy, they also collected taxes from the Third Estate. TheThird Estatewas made up of everyone else, from peasant farmers to the bourgeoisie – the wealthy business class.

What was the Third Estate before the Revolution?

The Third Estate. A common depiction of the Third Estate, carrying the burden of the other Estates. Before the revolution, French society was divided into three estates or orders: the First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility) and Third Estate (commoners).

How big was the Second Estate in France?

While the Second Estate was only 1% of the total population of France, the Third Estate was 96%, and had none of the rights and priviliges of the other two estates.