Classes

At the time of the revolution, France was split into 3 classes or "Estates".

The 1st Estate, noted as the Clergy, consisted of members of the French Catholic Church and other significant figures of power. This class contained just 0.6% of Frances total population, but yet held all of its power and influence. The Clergy collected the tax, and redistributed it, unfailingly to the benefit of themselves.

The 2nd Estate, known as the Nobility, (who you would imagine as the majority or middle ground) involved just 2% of France's population. They too, paid zero tax and also were benefited by France's luxuries.

The final Estate (Peasantry or the Commoners) made up for over 97% of the population. They were over taxed, over worked and under-paid, rightfully unhappy with the society they were living in, and soon to be revolutionaries!