The 1st Estate









This is the Clergy. They held fast from power gained during the Middle Ages and owned 19% of the land. They collected tithes but did not pay any direct tax to the state. They ranged from high ranking officials to poor parish priests.

The 2nd Estate









This is the Nobles; who defended the land in the Middle Ages. Their power was taken away in June 1600's but they could hold jobs in : government, military, and courts of church. They struggled to maintain power and hated absolutism.

The 3rd Estate









This was the middle Class; which made up 98% of the population . This Estate consisted of : bankers, merchants, professors, peasants, lawyers and doctors. Large numbers were unemployed or turned to a life of crime.

The Three Estates