Which social class was at the top of the social hierarchy in pre-revolutionary France?

In pre-revolutionary France, the nobility held the highest position in the social hierarchy, enjoying privileges and power that distinguished them from other classes. This class included aristocrats who owned large estates and had significant influence over governance and military matters. The nobility benefited from exclusive rights, such as exemption from many taxes and the ability to hold high offices in the state. Their status was often associated with the historical tradition of feudalism, which entrenched their authority and social standing.

Within the context of the social structure of the time, the nobility's role was complemented by that of the clergy, who also held significant status, particularly in matters of religion and education. However, the clergy did not eclipse the nobility in terms of political power, especially in an era when land ownership and military service were crucial aspects of influence. The commoners and the bourgeoisie, while important in number and emerging in influence, were lower in the social hierarchy and sought more rights and representation, which ultimately contributed to the unrest leading to the French Revolution. Thus, the nobility's uppermost position in the hierarchy is an essential aspect of understanding the socio-political dynamics leading up to the revolutionary period.