Revolutions: Area of Study One
Key Knowledge: Causes of tension and conflicts generated
in the old regime - perceived social inequality
Introduction: French society in 1789 was made up of
Three Estates. Considerable differences existed between these Estates
on matters such as social privileges and taxation. Complete the task
below to further your understanding of life in France pre 1789 and consider
the key question "Although people tend to accept
the social system in which they live, the Ancien Regime in France contained
inequalities which, sooner or later had to cause conflict."
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/lecture11a.html
This article will assist your background knowledge on the
Social classes of the Ancien Regime. (You will need to scroll down to
about half way through the article).
Adcock, M (2003) Analysing the French Revolution
p.16
Cambridge Uni Press: Australia
Describing the social situation.
Outline what this diagram says about the social groups in France in 1789.
To be written in paragraph format. Consider questions such as:
How many Estates existed in France in 1789?
Explain the division within the Third Estate and provide examples for
each.
What do you consider to be significant about the social situation in France
at this time?
Although people tend to accept the social system in which they live,
the Ancien Regime in France contained inequalities which, sooner or later
had to cause conflict.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?