Resentment of the Seigneurial System

The seigneurial system in pre-revolutionary France was a feudalistic structure where land was owned by the nobility and clergy. Peasants, or serfs, worked on these lands and were required to pay various dues and taxes (known as "seigneurial rights") to their lords. This included labor services, a portion of their harvest, and monetary payments. The seigneurial system created vast economic disparities and perpetuated the power of the aristocracy, while limiting the opportunities and freedoms of the common people.

Resentment towards the seigneurial system was widespread among the peasantry. High dues and arbitrary power exerted by local lords contributed significantly to rural poverty. Many peasants were trapped in cycles of debt due to the taxes imposed on them, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods. Furthermore, the seigneurial courts held judicial authority over the peasants, often resulting in biased and unjust outcomes that favored the lords.

The corvée (a form of unpaid labor required by the seigneur) was another source of frustration. Peasants were obliged to work several days each year on the lord's land or perform maintenance on infrastructure such as roads and bridges. This labor not only took time away from tending their own farms and improving their living conditions but also underscored their subordination within the feudal hierarchy.

Resistance against the seigneurial system grew more organized and vocal in the years leading up to the French Revolution. Pamphlets and writings critical of seigneurial practices circulated widely, and peasants began to demand not just relief, but the complete abolition of feudal dues. This discontent was bolstered by Enlightenment ideas advocating for equality and fairness, which were increasingly embraced by the Third Estate (the common people). Social tension reached a climax during the summer of 1789, when the Great Fear (a wave of peasant revolts) swept through the French countryside. During this period, peasants attacked manors, destroyed feudal records, and forcefully asserted their demand for the abolishment of the seigneurial system.

Following these uprisings, the National Constituent Assembly moved to abolish feudal privileges in the August Decrees (August 1789). By formally dismantling the seigneurial system, these decrees marked a significant shift in French society. Though practical implementation and compensation issues persisted, the official end of seigneurialism signaled a victory for the oppressed peasantry and demonstrated the transformative power of the Revolution.

• The Seigneurial System was a feudal hierarchy where the seigneur (landlord) held substantial power over the peasants, who were bound to work the land and pay various dues; this created a significant resentment among the working class.
• Throughout the late 18th century, peasants were subject to a multitude of taxes and feudal duties, which could consume up to 80% of their income; such economic pressure led to widespread discontent and calls for reform.
• Many seigneurs lived lavishly on their properties while peasants struggled with poverty; this stark contrast fueled the flames of resentment, contributing to the revolutionary spirit.
• Peasants were not only burdened by taxes but also faced arbitrary justice from local lords, leading to a sense of injustice that was palpable during the popular uprisings in 1789.
• The abolition of the feudal rights was a key issue during the National Assembly's discussions on 4 August 1789, ultimately leading to the end of the seigneurial system almost entirely; this momentous decision was seen as a triumph for the revolutionaries seeking equality.