The French Ancien Régime was a period of political and social structure that lasted from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It was characterized by the absolute monarchy of the Bourbon dynasty, in which the King had an absolute power over the country. This structure was divided into three estates, each with its own set of rights and responsibilities. In this article, we will discuss the structure of the Absolute Monarchy in France during the 18th century and the three estates that made up the Ancien Régime.
Estates of the Ancien Régime
The Ancien Régime was composed of three estates: the first estate, the second estate, and the third estate. The first estate was composed of the clergy, the second estate was composed of the nobility, and the third estate was composed of the commoners. Each estate had its own set of rights and privileges, and each was subject to different levels of taxation.
The first estate was composed of bishops, abbots, and other members of the clergy. They were exempt from taxation, and were the most powerful members of the Ancien Régime. The second estate was composed of the nobility, and they were granted certain privileges like exemption from taxation and the right to own land. The third estate was composed of the commoners, who paid taxes and had fewer rights than the other two estates.
Structure of the Absolute Monarchy
The absolute monarchy in France during the 18th century was a hierarchical structure in which the King had absolute power. The King was the head of the government, and he had the power to make laws and appoint officials. Below the King was the nobility, which was composed of the members of the second estate. The nobility had the privilege of owning land and were exempt from taxation. The third estate was composed of the commoners, who paid taxes and had fewer rights than the other two estates.
The structure of the absolute monarchy also included a system of courts and a bureaucracy. The courts were responsible for administering justice and settling disputes, while the bureaucracy was responsible for collecting taxes and implementing the King’s laws.
The structure of the absolute monarchy in France during the 18th century was a hierarchical system in which the King had absolute power. This power was divided among the three estates of the Ancien Régime: the first estate was composed of the clergy, the second estate was composed of the nobility, and the third estate was composed of the commoners. Each estate had
