Three Estates
Definition
In pre-revolutionary France, society was divided into three 'estates': The First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), and Third Estate (commoners).
Analogy
Imagine if your school cafeteria was divided into three sections. One for teachers (First Estate), another for popular kids or student council members (Second Estate), and then everyone else has to sit in a crowded section with less privileges (Third Estate).
Related terms
Bourgeoisie: This term refers to middle class people who were part of Third Estate but often wealthier than many nobles. They played a key role in revolutionary activities due to their dissatisfaction with social structure.
French Revolution: A period from 1789-1799 when societal and political structures in France were radically transformed. The division of society into Three Estates was one of the main causes.
Louis XVI: He was the King of France during the French Revolution, whose inability to effectively address serious fiscal problems led to public unrest and his eventual execution.
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