TIERS ETAT Meaning and
Definition
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"Tiers etat" is a French term that translates to "Third Estate" in English. It refers to the third and lowest social class in France before the French Revolution.
In the French Ancien Régime, society was divided into three orders or estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate. The Third Estate encompassed the vast majority of the French population, comprising peasants, artisans, merchants, and bourgeoisie, who were neither part of the clergy nor the nobility. They were often burdened with heavy taxes, limited political power, and prevalent social inequality.
The Tiers etat played a crucial role in the lead up to the French Revolution. They were the driving force behind the revolutionary movement as they pushed for political representation and social justice. Frustrated by their economic hardships and lack of influence, members of the Third Estate demanded that their grievances be addressed, leading to the convening of the Estates-General in 1789.
The term "Tiers etat" came to symbolize both the social class and the revolutionary ideals associated with fighting against oppression and advocating for equality. It represented the aspirations and struggles of the working class and their quest for political change in a society that was distinctly divided based on birthright and privilege.
Today, "Tiers etat" remains a historically significant term that embodies the spirit of the French Revolution and serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for social justice and equal rights for all.
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In Fr. Hist., the third branch of the legislative assembly; the commonalty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TIERS ETAT
- riers etat
- fiers etat
- giers etat
- yiers etat
- 6iers etat
- 5iers etat
- tuers etat
- tjers etat
- tkers etat
- toers etat
- t9ers etat
- t8ers etat
- tiwrs etat
- tisrs etat
- tidrs etat
- tirrs etat
- ti4rs etat
- ti3rs etat
- tiees etat
- tieds etat
Etymology of TIERS ETAT
The term "Tiers état" originated in France during the late Middle Ages, specifically during the Estates-General held in 1302. It is a combination of the French words "tiers" meaning "third" and "état" meaning "state" or "estate".
During this time, French society was divided into three social classes or "estates". The First Estate comprised of the clergy, the Second Estate consisted of the nobility, and the Third Estate represented the commoners, which included everyone else such as peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie.
The term "Tiers état" was used to emphasize the significance and growing political consciousness of the Third Estate. It reflected the idea that although they were the largest group in society, they had limited political power and were often oppressed by the other two estates.
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