The French Revolution

The French Revo is one of thee most important events in major historyy. It was more radical than either the english or American Revolutions, and had a far great impact o the 19th century Europe. The Unthinkable fall of the Bourbons resonated throughout Europe, sparking a series of revolutions which rallied behindd liberalism and nationalism. The major socialist revolutions of the 12th century in Russia, China and Cuba were inspired by the french's example. Before the revolution the French people were divided into 3 groups: the 1st estate consisted of the clergy, the second estate of the nobility and the third estate of the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants. Legally the first two estates enjoyed many privileges, particularly exemption from most taxation.

The first estate, the clergy, consisted of rich and poor. There were very wealthy abbots, members of the aristocracy who lived in luxury off of wealthy church lands, and poor parish priests, who lived much like the peasants.

The second estate, the nobility, inherited their titles and their wealth came from the land. Some members of the nobility had little money, but had all the privileges of noble rank. However, most enjoyed both privileges and wealth.

The third estate, the common people, was by far the largest group of people in France. Everyone who was not a member of the first or second estates was a member of the third. It included the wealthy merchants whose wealth rivaled that of the nobility, the doctors and lawyers, the shopkeepers, the poor, and the peasants who worked the land. Obviously, a very low group.