Life in Pre-Revolutionary France: Peasants, Urban Poor, Bourgeoisie, Nobility

Peasants (~80% of population)

Hard labor, heavy taxes (to king and Church), malnutrition, poor housing, low life expectancy.

Urban Poor

Crowded slums, dangerous/unclean work, unemployment, little healthcare/education, low life expectancy.

Bourgeoisie (Merchants, Lawyers, Professionals)

Growing wealth and influence; critical of monarchy/Church; key drivers of the Revolution.

Nobility

Owned most land/wealth; tax-exempt; own courts; luxury living; high life expectancy.

Revolution's Impact

1789 upended this hierarchy, opening advancement for lower classes.