Question

How was French society organised? What privileges did certain sections of the society enjoyed ?

Answer 1

Answer:

The French society was divided into a society of estates:

1. FIRST ESTATE-

• It consisted of members of the church and clergy.
• They were exempted from paying taxes to the state.
• The church also collected one tenth of annual produce in the form of a tax called tithe.

2. SECOND ESTATE-

• It consisted of nobles. (those who belonged to the royal family, ministers, etc.)
• The members of the second estate were also exempted fro. paying taxes.
• They were also paid feudal dues from the peasants.

3. THIRD ESTATE-

• It consisted of 90 percent population of the country.
• The members of this estate were the common people like peasants, workers, artisans, lawyers etc.
• They had to pay all the taxes.
• They were obliged to work in the Fields of their landlords as well as in their houses, and also serve the army.
• They were paying all direct taxes like taille and a number of indirect taxes also like taxes on articles of everyday consumption.