The term "the ancien régime" refers to the traditional political and social system that existed in France before the French Revolution of 1789. The term itself translates to "old regime" in English. It refers to the absolute monarchy which prevailed in France from the Middle Ages until the late 18th century under the Bourbon dynasty.
Under the ancien régime, power was concentrated in the hands of the monarch, who held absolute authority and ruled by divine right. The king was the highest authority, making all decisions regarding governance, administration, and law. This centralized system meant that the king's power was not subject to checks and balances, and he had complete control over the state institutions. Additionally, the monarchy was often supported by the clergy and the nobility.
The ancien régime was marked by a rigid social structure, known as the Three Estates. The First Estate included the clergy, the Second Estate included the nobility, and the Third Estate consisted of the common people, including merchants, peasants, and urban workers. The inequality and privileges enjoyed by the clergy and nobility exacerbated social tensions and contributed to the revolution.
The ancien régime was characterized by widespread inequality, high taxes, and the lack of political representation for the majority of the population. It existed until its overthrow during the French Revolution, when radical changes occurred, and the monarchy was ultimately abolished, leading to the establishment of the First French Republic.
