WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Second Estate represented the nobility, which comprised less than 2 percent of the French population. The Third Estate represented the overwhelming majority of the French population, from the wealthy urban elite to craftsmen and the peasantry.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -In the Ancien Régime, the First and Second Estates were often referred to as the ‘Privileged Orders’ because these estates controlled disproportionate amounts of power and wealth. This illustration from 1789 depicts the Three Estates of France.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -The First and Second Estates enjoyed certain privileges that the Third Estate did not. Firstly, although they were the richest, they did not have to pay taxes. They were also the only members in society who could hold positions of importance such as Officers in the military.