The peasants, who, once again made up the vast majority of the population, owned 40% of the total land in France. However, they were also the most taxed. They “only [paid] the taille” and most of the taxes even though they were directed at the nobles. Taxes consumed most of the income of lower-class citizens, leaving them with only enough to live in hardship. Most could only afford to feed their families. In some places, taxes consumed as much as a third of total income. Workers were not considered a priority in France like in other countries, which was a key aspect in the heavy taxes imposed on peasants. In other European countries such as England, the lower class earned greater respect. Those who were born well into their society admired the hard work that provided them with many resources. Because of this knowledge, farmers in England did not take as hard a hit from taxes as the French. In France, in addition to taxes, rent was also required. The peasants, as the group that did the most work but received the least pay, were expected to provide the country with virtually all of its financial needs. Even so, all the upper classes supported the taxes because their lives were essentially unaffected by the suffering of the peasants. (See, pages