Social Stratification

The social stratification during the French Revolution was a defining characteristic of the period, significantly influencing the course of events. Before the revolution, French society was divided into three estates (or classes): the First Estate consisted of the clergy, the Second Estate was composed of the nobility, and the Third Estate included the commoners (which encompassed peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoise). This division entrenched inequality and privilege.

The First Estate, or the clergy, enjoyed numerous privileges. They were exempt from many taxes and instead collected tithes from the general population. The clergy controlled approximately 10% of the land in France. This ownership and their tax privileges often led to resentment among the other estates. Within the clergy, there was further stratification: the higher clergy (such as bishops and archbishops) benefited the most, whereas the lower clergy (like parish priests) were often more sympathetic to the plight of the lower classes.

The Second Estate, or the nobility, similarly enjoyed significant privileges. They were exempt from the taille (a direct land tax) and held monopolies on certain public offices. Nobles owned about 25% of the land in France and wielded considerable influence over the monarchy and local government. Although all nobles were privileged by birthright, there was further stratification between the old aristocracy (rural nobility) and the newer, wealthier urban nobility, whose fortunes were often tied to lucrative court positions or financial ventures.

The Third Estate encompassed everyone else, around 98% of the population, but varied widely in wealth and power. At the bottom were the peasants, who made up the majority. They suffered from heavy taxation and feudal dues, rendering their lives harsh and precarious. Urban workers (artisans, domestic servants, and laborers) also faced difficult living conditions, with high food prices often leading to discontent. The bourgeoise, although part of the Third Estate, differed significantly from the lower tiers in terms of wealth and education. They were professionals, businessmen, and merchants who had accumulated economic power but were frustrated by their lack of political influence and social recognition.

The growing discontent among the Third Estate was a crucial driver of the revolution. The bourgeoisie in particular sought greater influence, not only in economic matters but also in governance. Their dissatisfaction found an outlet in the Estates-General of 1789 (a general assembly representing the three estates) which ultimately led to the formation of the National Assembly. This new body declared that sovereignty belonged to the people (not the king) marking the beginning of substantial political change.

The rigidity of the estates system (coupled with the economic difficulties faced by the Third Estate) helped fuel revolutionary fervor. Social stratification became a focal point of revolutionary discourse, leading to radical changes such as the abolition of feudal privileges on 4 August 1789.

• During the French Revolution, social stratification was primarily represented by the Three Estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners), which comprised about 98% of the population.
• The Third Estate was not a homogeneous group; it included a wide range of social classes, from wealthy bourgeoisie (middle class) to impoverished peasants, which played a significant role in the Revolution's unfolding.
• Women, despite being part of the Third Estate, faced significant legal and social restrictions during the Revolution; however, they actively participated in marches and gatherings, showcasing their political aspirations and demands.
• The revolutionary slogan 'Liberté, égalité, fraternité' encapsulated the desire for social equality, challenging the deeply entrenched class divisions that had existed for centuries in France.
• Social mobility was greatly influenced during and after the Revolution; many members of the Third Estate, especially intellectuals and skilled workers, gained prominence and opportunities through the upheaval, altering the previous social order.