Question

class 9 Briefly state four conditions during the ‘Old Regime’ in France.

Answer 1

The term ‘Old Regime’ is usually used to refer to the institutions and society in France before 1789.

The society of France in 18th Century was divided into 3 estates:

• The 1st estate was the clergy.
• The 2nd estate was the nobility.
• The 3rd estate was made up of servants, landless laborers, small peasants, artisans, court officials, lawyers, merchants, and big businessmen.
• Only members of the 3rd estate paid taxes.
• Within the 3rd estate there were poor and rich people.
• 90% of the population was made up of peasants.
• 60% of the land was owned by Church, Nobles and rich members of 3rd estate.
• Feudal privileges were enjoyed by the Nobles.