King Louis XVI Became king in 1774 Was good-hearted and generous. However, he was indecisive and allowed matters to drift. Put country into debt by: Helping Americans in their fight for independence against British (thanks dude) Always fighting the Brits Overspending in general As unrest grows, He needed to do something to re-establish his control.

Louis XVI (Looking at chest) “Where is the money?” Nobles and clergy (sneaking out the door carrying sacks of money) “We have it.” Necker (Finical minister) “It was there last time I looked.”

Meeting of the Estates General

Meeting of the Estates General Louis XVI attempts to resolve financial crisis by removing some noble tax exemptions Nobles say NOPE! So King calls the meeting with all three estates represented…kinda Takes place at Palace of Versailles to discuss how to fix the financial crisis They decided to vote on new taxes, giving each estate ONE vote (2/3 vote won) – NOT popular vote (3rd estate would have won obvi.)

Third estate was over ruled on everything. Got very frustrated that their voices weren’t being heard…

The French Revolution

Abbé Sieyès What is the third estate? Everything What has it been heretofore in the political order? Nothing What does it demand? To become something therein Liberal clergyman

The Tennis Court Oath June 1789 the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly (law making body of France) *1st act of the revolution! The third estate was locked out of the estates general meeting, so they broke into a indoor tennis court. Where they pledged to meet until they wrote a new constitution for France. Abbé Sieyès

King Louis stationed his army guards around Versailles Rumors that King Louis would dismiss the National Assembly by force led citizens to prepare for defense.