French History: King Louis and the Estates-General

Study Notes

King Louis XVI and the Financial Crisis

King Louis XVI urgently needed money in 1787 and called upon nobles to pay taxes for the first time.
Nobles refused and instead demanded a meeting of the Estates-General, which had not convened for over 170 years.

Estates-General Assembly

The Estates-General was a representative assembly composed of three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.
Each estate received only one vote, leading to potential outvoting of the Third Estate, primarily composed of commoners.
The perception of inequity led to the formation of the National Assembly by the commoners.

The National Assembly

Following the refusal of power by the King, the Third Estate created the National Assembly, meeting regularly to govern without royal support.
On July 14, 1789, the Bastille, a state prison symbolizing royal authority, was stormed by a mob, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
The storming of the Bastille was prompted by fears of the King arresting members of the newly formed National Assembly.
The Fall of the Bastille is celebrated as France's National Day.

Societal Changes and Reforms

By August 1789, the National Assembly abolished burdens on the common people, signaling a rebirth of France.
The National Assembly accomplished significant reforms rapidly, transforming the nation toward modernity.
They included members from the bourgeois and sans-culottes, emphasizing social change.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Published in August 1789, it outlined democratic principles for a new France.
The Mayor of Paris expressed jubilation over the reforms and the rebirth of the nation.

Actions Against the Monarchy

On October 4, 1789, women marched to Versailles demanding bread, successfully prompting King Louis to distribute supplies.
Louis XVI faced execution due to suspicions regarding his cooperation with Austria, which had declared war on France.
In July 1791, the royal family attempted to flee but were captured in Varennes and returned to Paris.
The National Assembly declared France a republic in September 1792, leading to the removal of Louis from the throne.

Execution of the Monarchy

In January 1793, King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine, followed by the execution of Marie Antoinette.

Description

This quiz explores the events surrounding King Louis XVI's call for the Estates-General in 1787, examining the reasons behind his desperate financial situation and the responses from the nobles. Delve into the historical significance of this gathering as the first in over 170 years, aimed at addressing France’s economic issues.