3.1- The Three Estates

In this episode of Revolutions, we kick off a new series on the French Revolution by examining the social landscape of France before the upheaval. The speaker challenges the oversimplified Marxist view that the revolution was merely a class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the feudal aristocracy, emphasizing the intricate divisions and complexities within each social class. The discussion delves into the three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate), unpacking their unique structures, economic roles, and interactions. This sets the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the revolution's causes and events in future episodes. Additionally, the history of the Bourbon dynasty is briefly outlined, culminating with the reign of Louis XVI.