Describe the social structure of France before the revolution.

Before the French Revolution, the social structure of France was divided into three main estates or classes. The First Estate consisted of the clergy, which included bishops, priests, and other religious figures. They made up less than 1% of the population but owned a significant amount of land and enjoyed privileges such as exemption from taxes.

The Second Estate comprised the nobility, which included aristocrats, landowners, and members of the royal family. They made up around 2% of the population and held significant political and economic power. The nobility also enjoyed various privileges, including exemption from certain taxes and the ability to hold high-ranking positions in the government and military.

The Third Estate was the largest and most diverse class, encompassing the rest of the population, which included peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class). The bourgeoisie consisted of merchants, professionals, and wealthy business owners. Despite being the largest class, the Third Estate had limited political power and faced heavy taxation, while the nobility and clergy enjoyed exemptions.

This social structure created significant inequalities and grievances among the Third Estate, as they bore the burden of the country's financial crisis while the privileged classes enjoyed their exemptions and privileges. These inequalities and frustrations ultimately played a crucial role in sparking the French Revolution.