hatred by the bourgeoisie, who believed in 'merit' over 'birth'. This was the main reason most bourgeoisies dreamed of buying an ennobling office, as becoming noble was the only true way of advancing in the society of the ancien regime. It could be argued that the hatred between the nobles and the bourgeoisie led to the latter taking the leadership of the Third Estate during the Estates-General, which in turn led to the revolution.
             There was also significant tension within the First Estate, or the clergy. There were 2 distinct facti
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