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The '''Old Regime''' or '''Ancien Régime''' refers to the aristocratic social and political order of [[France]] between the 14th and 18th centuries under the [[Valois]] and [[Bourbon]] dynasties. It is the prevailing political and social model in place in France prior to the [[French Revolution]], and which was deliberately destroyed by the Revolution.

In the [[History of France]] the '''Old Regime''' or '''Ancien Régime''' refers to the aristocratic social and political order between the 14th and 18th centuries under the [[Valois]] and [[Bourbon]] dynasties of kings. It is the prevailing political and social system in place prior to the [[French Revolution]], and it was deliberately and systematically destroyed by the Revolution.

The Old Regime was characterized by a rigid class system that reflected a hierarchical [[feudal]] order, with a strong monarch, strong Catholic Church, and strong local nobility. The Church and the nobility owned nearly all the land and the peasant farmers had no say whatever.  The upper middle class (called the [[bourgeoisie]]) compsising intellectuals, lawyers and wealthy businessmen  had little political power.  

The Old Regime was characterized by a rigid class system that reflected a hierarchical [[feudal]] order, with a strong monarch, strong Catholic Church, and strong local nobility. The Church and the nobility owned nearly all the land and the peasant farmers had no say whatever.  The upper middle class (called the [[bourgeoisie]]) compsising intellectuals, lawyers and wealthy businessmen  had little political power.