History of Europe

What kinds of people were included in the third estate the18th century France?

The third estate in 18th-century France was a diverse group of people who did not belong to the clergy( First estate) or the nobility (Second estate). They made up the vast majority of the population, around 98%. The third estate included:

-The Bourgeoisie: This group consisted of wealthy merchants, bankers, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals. They were often well educated and had considerable economic power.

-Peasants: The majority of the third estate was made up of peasants. They worked the land and paid heavy taxes to the nobles and the church. Peasants lived in poverty and were often subject to harsh conditions.

-Artisans: This group included skilled workers such as carpenters, blacksmiths, and masons. They often lived in towns and cities, and they played an essential role in the economy

-Servants: This group included domestic workers such as maids, cooks, and gardeners. They worked in the households of the wealthy and often lived in extremely poor conditions.

-The urban poor: This group consisted of beggars, homeless and other marginalized individuals. They lived in slums and had no means to improve their condition.

The third estate was very diverse; it included people from different social classes, backgrounds, and occupations. They were united by their common experience of exclusion and oppression by the privileged First and Second Estates.