They had special privileges
They formed permanent armies
The nobility and the clergy
They looked after the house, the children and the elderly family members.
They held the most important government positions
Their main occupation was to look after the house.
They reduced the powers of the nobility and the Church
They did not pay taxes
The bourgeoisie, who were merchants and bankers
They had their own laws and courts of justice
They were dependent on their parents or husbands
Only rich women learnt to read and write.
Marriages were arranged by the parents
They paid taxes
They created a diplomatic service
peasants, merchants and craftspeople
They increased taxes
They worked in the fields or as servants or saleswomen
They owned most of the land