The Ancien Régime: Social and Economic Structures

The Ancien Régime: Political and Social Systems

Also called the Ancien Régime, this was the political, social, and economic system found in many parts of Europe up to the 18th century. Society was based on estates and an agrarian economy, and it was ruled by an absolute monarch.

The Society of Estates

The society was divided into three distinct estates: the Nobility, the Clergy, and the Commoners.

• Privilege: The clergy and nobility were privileged estates, enjoying major advantages over commoners.
• Lack of mobility: Social movement was restricted; commoners did not move up, and nobles did not move down.

The Clergy

The clergy was divided into high and low ranks:

• High Clergy: Included archbishops and bishops, who were often the younger sons of the nobility.
• Low Clergy: Included priests and monks from commoner families.

The Nobility

The nobility was also divided into high and low ranks:

• High Nobility: Owned vast lands, received income from rents, and occupied all high-ranking positions.
• Low Nobility: Had less money and sometimes married into wealthy bourgeois families.

The Commoners or Third Estate

This group made up the majority of the population.

• Bourgeoisie: Composed of merchants, doctors, and artisans. Their political power was limited to city government, leading the bourgeoisie to demand greater participation in the national government.
• Peasantry: The largest group, but with little social influence. Most worked on the land of nobles or the Church as tenants, day laborers, or serfs.

The Agrarian Sector and Subsistence Farming

In most of Europe, peasants practiced subsistence farming. Crops depended on the climate; they were lost in times of drought and flooding. Consequently, food became scarce and there was widespread famine. Most land belonged to the nobility and the clergy. A noble's land could not be divided.

Artisanal Activity and Trade

Guilds controlled most artisanal activity. These were associations of artisans who worked in the same trade. Guilds regulated production, which acted as an obstacle to innovation.

The Domestic System and Royal Factories

The domestic system was a new system of production in the textile industry. Additionally, Royal Factories belonged to the monarchy. They were very large workshops where weapons and luxury goods were made.

Foreign and Triangular Trade

Foreign trade grew due to the increased exchange with America and Asia. East India Companies were granted trade monopolies in certain regions.

Triangular trade developed between Europe, Africa, and America. European ships sailed to Africa, where they traded items of little value for slaves.