French Revolution

3 ESTATES France’s way to rank their people using three different social classes.

1st Estate Clergy or priests Made up less than 1% of population Only 2% of income paid in taxes Owned 10% of the land Helped the poor by providing education and relief services

2nd Estate Rich nobles Held highest offices of government Made up of 2% of the population Paid 0% in taxes Owned 20% of the land Wore the best clothing

3rd Estate Had 3 different groups of people in this estate: A. Merchants and artisans who were well educated B. Urban lower class or the cooks and servants C. Peasant farmers Had no power or influence in government Made up 98% of population Paid 50% of income to taxes Often went hungry

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