b) The Third Estate Flashcards
What examples prove that the economic situation in France was worsening?
Insufficient supply of food
Population rose by 6 million in 30 years
Food prices were too high
The manufacturing sector began to struggle
Civil unrest became more widespread
How did Louis try to weaken the Parlements?
In May 1788 Louis announced the ‘May Edicts’
Took away the power of the parlements to register royal edicts
How did the Parlements respond to the May Edicts?
Claimed that there were fundamental laws under treat from a despotic monarch
How did the first two estates respond to the May Edicts?
Protests
Who was Brienne replaced with in 1788?
The liberal reforming Jacques Necker
Why did the lower and middle forces start to join forces?
Peasants were tired of paying a feudal tax to the nobility and urban workers resented high taxation.
The lower classes became more political, and joined forces with radical members of the middle classes to oppose government.
When did Louis XVI summon the Estates General?
May 1789
What are Cahiers de doleances?
Lists of grievances
Why did the Estates General end in deadlock?
Louis XVI allowed the third estate to have equal representation of the first and second estates combined
What happened on June 17 1789?
Still deadlocked, a group of Third estate deputies declared themselves National Assembly
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
On June 20, the National Assembly deputies were locked out of their meeting place.
They occupied a tennis court and took an oath to remain until a new constitution was written.
How did Louis respond to the National Assembly?
Tried to reject the Assembly on June 23.
Huge crowds of protesters persuaded him to back down.
Reinstated (again) the popular reforming Controller General Necker.
He instructed the first and second estate deputies to join the third estate in the National Assembly.
Due to Louis actions, by 1789 France had thus become what?
France had thus become a limited monarchy by June 1789
