Background Information The French Revolution Background Information

What does this cartoon represent?

The Old Regime As of the 1770s, this was the social and political system of France: King People divided into 3 large social classes called Estates

The Old Regime

First Estate Clergy of the Roman Catholic Church Owned 10% of land in France Paid 2% of its income in taxes Provided education and relief services to the poor

Second Estate Rich Nobles 2% of France’s population Owned 20% of land in France Paid almost NO TAXES!

Beliefs of the First and Second Estates The First Estate denied the ideas of the Enlightenment. Why??? The Second Estate disagreed about the Enlightenment ideas. Some liked them, others did not. Ultimately, both Estates liked the status quo and power as privileged persons.

Third Estate 97% of the French population. Made of 3 groups: Bourgeoisie or middle-class: Well educated and believed strongly in the ideas of the Enlightenment. Some as rich as nobles, but paid very high taxes. France’s City Workers: Trades-people, apprentices, laborers, and domestic servants. The poorest group. Peasants: About 80% of France’s population of 26 Million. Paid about half of their income in dues to nobles, tithes to the Church, and taxes to the king.

Inequality led to problems…