1. Pre-Revolutionary France
The Old Regime
Pre-Revolutionary France

2. Privileges of the Clergy
Retain Medieval privileges
No taxes
Own 15% of land
Wealthy
Collect tithe (10% income tax)
Church Courts

3. Privileges of the Nobles
Wear a sword
Primogeniture
Have a title
Collect feudal dues
Pay few taxes
Held high offices in army, government, R. C. Church

4. Privileges of the Bourgeoisie
Educated
Wealthy
Own land, homes, and businesses

5. Privileges of the City Workers/Artisans
Maybe skilled
May own or rent home/business

6. Privileges of the Peasants
Own 50% of land

7. Discontent: Clergy
Upper: want to share power with king
Lower: want share of wealth of the upper clergy; do all the work for little pay

8. Discontent: Nobles
Want to share power with king
Inflation leads them to raise rents and hire lawyers to find old feudal dues
Sell things they once gave away

9. Discontent: Bourgeoisie
Want more political power
Want sons to have access to upper level jobs
Want more free trade

10. Discontent: City Workers/Artisans
Food prices and rent rising in cities
Robbery and violent crime on the rise
Riots in cities over high prices and taxes.

11. Discontent: Peasants
Owe feudal dues and services
Pay tithe (10% income tax to Roman Catholic Church)
Pay heavy taxes
Work long and hard hours
Low pay