The Estates-General and the National Assembly

Estates-General of 1789 A meeting between representatives of the 3 Estates. Had not met since 1614.

Before we begin The etiquette of 1614 will be strictly enforced. Each estate is getting one vote. (There were over 200 members each present for the First and Second Estates, and over 500 for the Third Estate) Any questions before we get started?

First item on the agenda Who will speak for each estate? We must follow proper etiquette and keep things civil. Too many voices creates much chaos and prevents us from making clear decisions. (Choose one spokesperson for your group)

Second Item on the agenda We are in severe debt. Helping the Americans in their revolution hurt our economy very much. We don’t have the money to pay for social services and fix buildings. We’re still trying to pay off debts from the Seven Years War too, so a tax increase is absolutely vital. Let’s try to come up with a solution.

The National Assembly Collection of delegates from the Third Estate (as well as some from the First and Second) who no longer answered to the King and passed laws and reforms in the name of the French people