Tennis Court Oath Overview

Tennis Court Oath

• The Tennis Court Oath was taken by deputies of the Third Estate on June 20, 1789, after being locked out of their meeting hall.
• Deputies gathered in a tennis court due to fears of a royalist conspiracy and pledged not to disband until a constitution was established.
• Emmanuel Sieyès wrote the oath, which was administered by Jean-Sylvain Bailly and signed by 576 deputies, with one abstainer.
• Revolutionary artist Jacques-Louis David depicted the oath, highlighting its historical significance.
• The Oath exemplified the Third Estate's determination and marked a transition towards a constitutional monarchy.

Significance of the Tennis Court Oath

• Represented escalating unrest against King Louis XVI and laid groundwork for significant events such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the storming of the Bastille.
• Central to the evolution of modern democracy in France, emphasizing popular sovereignty and national representation.

The Royal Session (June 23, 1789)

• Louis XVI annulled the formation of the National Assembly and insisted that estates meet separately unless otherwise permitted.
• Proposed equal taxation with Estates-General consent and promised to extend provincial assemblies across the kingdom.
• Mirabeau declared the deputies were present by the "will of the nation" and would only leave when forcibly removed.
• On June 24, soldiers meant to disperse the Assembly sided with them, showcasing popular support for the National Assembly.

Escalating Tensions in Paris

• King Louis XVI deployed 1,800 troops to Paris, escalating tensions with the populace.
• Mirabeau emerged as a leading agitator, advocating for the National Assembly.
• Louis blamed Jacques Necker for the failure of the Royal Session, leading to Necker's dismissal, which further fueled public anger against the king.

Necker's Dismissal (July 11, 1789)

• Necker was dismissed, inciting riots, looting, and public outcry in the streets.
• The Third Estate rallied under cries for Necker's reinstatement and against the King’s actions.
• Desmoulins, a prominent speaker, called for armed resistance to the monarchy, urging individuals to signify themselves as patriots by tearing leaves from trees.
• The dismissal intensified revolutionary fervor, leading to organized protests and food riots in Paris.