---
title: The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2024-09-16
---

# The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19448.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19448.png)

## Image Caption

The [Three Estates of pre-revolutionary France](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1960/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/) were the hierarchical social divisions that structured society under the Ancien Régime (French for "Old Regime," a term coined after the [French Revolution](https://www.worldhistory.org/French_Revolution/) to describe the pre-revolutionary system of government and society).

- The First Estate consisted of the clergy, who held significant influence, controlled vast wealth, and were exempt from most taxes.
- The Second Estate comprised the nobility, who enjoyed privileges such as tax exemptions and held key positions in government and the military.
- The Third Estate comprised the commoners, including [peasants](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Peasants/), laborers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class), who shouldered the bulk of taxation.

This social order had roots in medieval [feudalism](https://www.worldhistory.org/Feudalism/). Still, by the late 18th century, it had become increasingly outdated and unjust, leading to widespread discontent that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, September 16). The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 16, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Three Estates of Pre-revolutionary France." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Sep 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19448/the-three-estates-of-pre-revolutionary-france/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 16 September 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.