USA HISTORY

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: -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-3: -The 2nd Estate consisted of the Nobles, representing about 2% of the population. Members of the 2nd Estate also owned approximately 20% of the land, which was another symbol of wealth and status in France. Nobles could be high ranking members of government or even family members of Louis XVI.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Third Estate was the largest, representing 95% of the population and included peasants, artisans, merchants and the professions. The Third Estate had the least power and had long been subject to the powers of privilege that the nobility and clergy exercised.

Detailed explanation-5: -The king also took advice from the “Assembly of Notables.” This was a group of high ranking nobles. In 1789 France, there were around 100, 000 members of the First Estate, 400, 000 members of the Second Estate, and around 27 million members of the Third Estate.