The French Revolution changed the course of History. It opened a new era and their consequences are the base of today´s society. French Revolutionaries called Ancient Régime the political system previous to the Revolution.

The main characteristics of the Ancient Regime were:

• The absolute monarchy was the predominant political system. However, England and the Netherlands had a parliamentary monarchy.

• Economy was based on farming and it is known as traditional economy. However, trade played a significant role in the capitalism devel0pment.

• Society was divided into three states: clergy, nobility and third state. This division had its origins in the manorial or feudal system.

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