1. The Growth of the Revolution
The 3rd Estate
The Growth of the Revolution

2. The Estates General
Despite the absolute monarchy, France did have a form of parliament known as the Estates General.
It included
The first estate: the Clergy (the church)
The second estate: the aristocracy (rich people)
The 3rd estate: the middle class (bourgeoisie)
Had no real power or authority, king could listen or ignore them as he chose, or not even call them together. They were advisors only.
Louis XVI called them together in 1789, but their last meeting had been in 1614!

3. The 3rd Estate it was made up of the most “common” people
it had twice as many delegates as the other two, but…
The estates voted as a bloc, which meant the other 2 had twice as much power.
3rd
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2nd
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1st
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4. 1789
Louis XVI’s govt. was in serious financial trouble. They had tried to reform their economy and had failed. The country was bankrupt. He ordered the Estates General to meet in Versailles.
His new treasury director, the popular and populist Jacques Necker hoped to raise money and put an end to rioting among the masses.
He knew they would want a say in govt., he wasn’t ready to give up absolute power.
Jacques Necker

5. No Thanks, Louis!
They refused. They refused to bow to his demands. They wanted democracy now!
People gathered in Versailles, and 6 weeks later the 3rd estate broke free and declared a new govt., a National Assembly.
Count Mirabeau

6. Tennis Court Oath
When Louis Locked the National Assembly out of the meetings, they gathered on the Royal Tennis Court and pledged not to leave until France had a new form of government.
Louis offered some mild reforms, but due to the crowds he was forced to back down. He ordered the other 2 estates to join the National Assembly.