The First Estate consisted of the clergy who were considered a privileged class. The Catholic Church, with its vast income from untaxed lands and from the tithe, was determined to prevent any restrictions whatever on its privileges.

The Second Estate

The Second Estate consisted of the nobles who enjoyed great wealth and privileges. Nobles held the best and most profitable positions in the army, government, and church. In addition, they were exempt from most taxes.

The Third Estate

The Third Estate, the unprivileged citizens, who paid taxes in money, produce, and labor, consisted of the bourgeoisie (middle class), city workers, and the peasantry. Although small in numbers, the bourgeoisie was the wealthiest, most educated, and most outspoken group within the Third Estate. These lawyers, bankers, merchants, and businessmen resented the fact that they were being taxed without any sort of representation, and they were determined to remedy the situation. Peasants made up the largest group within the Third Estate. In general, French peasants were better off than peasants in other parts of Europe, but still they complained about the burden of heavy taxes, and the Corvee or forced labor they had to perform. Indeed, in the Old Regime, there were many deep-rooted abuses.
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