Question

before the french revolution, french society was divided into three estates or orders. this system was called the three estates or the ancien regime the old way/government. the first estate contained around 330,000 members of the catholic church, from archbishops and bishops down to parish priests, monks, friars and nuns, known as the clergy. the first estate occupied a prestigious place in the social order. belief in god, religion and the afterlife dominated late 18th century europe, so for ordinary people the church and its clergy were the only avenues for understanding or accessing god and the afterlife. the church, therefore, had an ideological stronghold over the people and was an integral part of frances social and political framework. religion underpinned royal authority by reinforcing the kings divine right to rule and the power of the throne. higher clergy, such as cardinals and archbishops, served as political advisors to the king. the state gave the catholic church a virtual monopoly over religious matters; there were no other approved religions in france. the church at the parish (local) level was also responsible for social policy and welfare and also carried out some functions of state. its clergy conducted and registered marriages, baptisms and funerals; they delivered education to children and distributed charity to the poor. in rural areas, the local parish priest (or cure) was both a central figure, an administrator, a teacher, and an influential leader in his community.

1. what was the dominant religion in france before the french revolution? be specific. 2
2. who were in the first estate? describe their roles/responsibilities. (more than 1 answer expected) 3
3. explain how the first estate supported the absolutist government of france? 2

Explanation:

1. The text mentions "the state gave the Catholic church a virtual monopoly over religious matters, there was no other approved religions in France".
2. The text states "the First Estate contained around 130,000 members of the Catholic church, from archbishops and bishops down to parish priests, monks, friars and nuns, also known as the clergy". And it also describes their roles such as "the church at the parish (local) level was also responsible for social policy and welfare and also carried out some functions of state. Its clergy conducted and registered marriages, baptisms and funerals; they delivered education to children and distributed charity to the poor. In rural areas, the local parish priest (or cure) was both a central figure, an administrator, a teacher, and an influential leader in his community". Also, "Higher clergy, such as cardinals and archbishops, served as political advisors to the king".
3. The text says "Religion underpinned royal authority by reinforcing the king’s divine right to rule and the power of the throne".

Answer:

1. Catholicism.
2. Members of the Catholic church (clergy). Roles: Conducted and registered marriages, baptisms and funerals; delivered education to children; distributed charity to the poor; in rural areas, local parish priest was an administrator, teacher, and influential leader; higher clergy served as political advisors to the king.
3. Religion (Catholic church as part of First Estate) underpinned royal authority by reinforcing the king’s divine right to rule.