What role did the Estates-General play in 1789?

In 1789, the Estates-General played a pivotal role in the initiation of the French Revolution.

The Estates-General was a legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes, or 'estates', of French subjects. It had not been convened since 1614, but in 1789, King Louis XVI was forced to call a meeting due to the severe financial crisis that France was facing. The Estates-General was composed of three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners). Each estate had one vote, which was unfair to the Third Estate as they represented the majority of the population.

The meeting of the Estates-General in 1789 marked a significant turning point in French history. The Third Estate, representing the common people, demanded that voting should be by head, not by estate, to ensure fair representation. When this was refused, they broke away and declared themselves the National Assembly, vowing to draft a constitution for France. This was a direct challenge to the absolute monarchy and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

The Estates-General's role in 1789 was therefore crucial. It provided a platform for the grievances of the Third Estate to be aired and acted upon. The refusal of the First and Second Estates to change the voting system highlighted the deep-seated inequality in French society, fuelling the anger of the common people. The formation of the National Assembly was a significant act of defiance against the monarchy and the established order, setting the stage for the radical changes that were to come.

In conclusion, the Estates-General played a significant role in 1789 as it was the catalyst for the French Revolution. It highlighted the deep divisions in French society and led to the formation of the National Assembly, marking the beginning of a new political era in France.