They held the most important government positions
Marriages were arranged by the parents
They looked after the house, the children and the elderly family members.
They had special privileges
They increased taxes
They had their own laws and courts of justice
They did not pay taxes
They worked in the fields or as servants or saleswomen
They reduced the powers of the nobility and the Church
Only rich women learnt to read and write.
They were dependent on their parents or husbands
They formed permanent armies
peasants, merchants and craftspeople
They owned most of the land
The nobility and the clergy
They created a diplomatic service
Their main occupation was to look after the house.
They paid taxes
The bourgeoisie, who were merchants and bankers