The Estates-General

Prior to the meeting of the Estates- General The key issue: the method of voting Voting by order vs voting by head Voting by order vs voting by head First and Second estates want voting by order First and Second estates want voting by order Third Estate representatives want: Third Estate representatives want: –twice as many deputies –voting by head –This will guarantee a majority December 1788 – King’s Council/Necker agree to double representatives … December 1788 – King’s Council/Necker agree to double representatives … … BUT, no mention of voting method

The Estates-General meets 5 May 1789  After early snubs to Third Estate delegates… … the government fails to offer acceptable reforms Ignores many demands of cahiers (eg. constitution) Ignores many demands of cahiers (eg. constitution) Third Estate demands a common session – to verify credentials of those elected – want all three estates to meet and vote by head. Third Estate demands a common session – to verify credentials of those elected – want all three estates to meet and vote by head. Minor issue – but, First and Second estate reject demand – recognise significance. Minor issue – but, First and Second estate reject demand – recognise significance. General inaction as a result - delay General inaction as a result - delay

10 June 1789 Deadlock broken Deadlock broken Third Estate goes ahead without the other two estates – verifies own deputies Third Estate goes ahead without the other two estates – verifies own deputies

National Assembly 17 June 1789 After a debate two days earlier (significance: don’t need other estates) After a debate two days earlier (significance: don’t need other estates) Third Estate delegates vote to call themselves National Assembly Third Estate delegates vote to call themselves National Assembly Claim to represent nation (hence title) Claim to represent nation (hence title) Claim right to manage own affairs and taxation Claim right to manage own affairs and taxation

19 June 1st Estate – clergy – vote to join Third Estate 1st Estate – clergy – vote to join Third Estate Government losing control, rapidly. Government losing control, rapidly. This, however, is only the beginning… (!) This, however, is only the beginning… (!)

The Tennis Court Oath 20 June 1789