Estate System in Pre-Revolutionary France

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Estate System in pre-revolutionary France?

• To promote social mobility

• To divide society into equal groups

• To encourage economic growth

• To maintain a rigid social hierarchy

Why might the Third Estate have been frustrated with their position in French society?

• They had too many privileges

• They had too much political power

• They were exempt from military service

• They paid most of the taxes but had the least rights

How did Enlightenment ideas potentially impact views on the Estate System?

• They reinforced traditional social structures

• They promoted the divine right of kings

• They had no impact on people's views

• They encouraged people to question the existing social order

What was a major contributing factor to the financial crisis in pre-revolutionary France?

• Rapid industrialization

• High taxes on the nobility

• Lack of international trade

• Excessive government spending and costly wars

Why did the First and Second Estates resist attempts at tax reform?

• They wanted to pay more taxes

• They believed the Third Estate should pay all taxes

• They thought new taxes would solve the financial crisis

• They wanted to protect their tax exemptions and privileges

How did the summoning of the Estates-General in 1789 differ from previous times?

• It was the first time it had ever been called

• It was a regular annual event

• Only the Third Estate was invited

• It hadn't been summoned in 175 years

What role did the bourgeoisie play in the Third Estate?

• They were the poorest members

• They had the same privileges as the nobility

• They were all farmers

• They were the educated middle class, including professionals and merchants

How might the estate system have affected France's ability to modernize and compete with other European powers?

• It promoted rapid industrialization

• It encouraged scientific innovation

• It had no impact on France's development

• It hindered social and economic progress by maintaining rigid class distinctions

What was the significance of the cahiers prepared for the Estates-General meeting?

• They were recipe books for French cuisine

• They were official tax records

• They outlined battle plans against other countries

• They listed grievances and called for reforms

How did the lifestyle of high-ranking clergy compare to that of parish priests within the First Estate?

• They were exactly the same

• All clergy were required to live in poverty

• Parish priests were wealthier than high-ranking clergy

• High-ranking clergy lived well, while parish priests could be poor