MAKING OF A NEW NATION 1776 1800
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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The clergy
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The middle class, urban workers, and peasants
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The nobility
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None of the above
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Detailed explanation-1: -The Second Estate consisted of the nobility of France, including members of the royal family, except for the King. Members of the Second Estate did not have to pay any taxes. They were also awarded special priviliges, such as the wearing a sword and hunting.
Detailed explanation-2: -The idea of the “estates” is important to the social structure of the Middle Ages. Feudal society was traditionally divided into three “estates” (roughly equivalent to social classes). The “First Estate” was the Church (clergy = those who prayed). The “Second Estate” was the Nobility (those who fought = knights).
Detailed explanation-3: -France under the Ancien Régime (before the French Revolution) divided society into three estates: the First Estate (clergy); the Second Estate (nobility); and the Third Estate (commoners).
Detailed explanation-4: -The Second Estate was a small group in 18th century French society comprising the noble or aristocratic orders. Its members, both male and female, possessed aristocratic titles such as Duc (’Duke’), Comte (’Count’), Vicomte (’Viscount’), Baron or Chevalier.
Detailed explanation-5: -The French nobility (French: la noblesse française) was a privileged social class in France from the Middle Ages until its abolition on 23 June 1790 during the French Revolution.