The French society was divided into three classes before the revolution of 1789.
- Clergy class : This class included the high officials of the clergy. They enjoyed many privileges, and did not have to pay any taxes. The people of this class were rich and lived a luxurious life.
- Elite class : This class included high officials of state and big landlords. They too enjoyed special privileges. They took feudal taxes from the farmers. Not only this, these people also possessed their own territories.
- Middle class : This class included farmers, artisans, petty officials, workers, lawyers, teachers and small traders. These people were overburdened with taxes. Unpaid labour was exacted from them. This was the most dissatisfied class of France. Farmers constituted the largest part of this class. The class was deprived of rights. This class contributed substantially to the explosion of the revolution.
