Developments in Versailles

Question 1

what was happening with the EG

Answer 1

• the first session was on 5 May
• no agendas were put forward for a ‘reform package’ with a positive policy proposal for discussion
• no clear indication was given of the procedures to be adopted so the third estate still did not know exactly how the meetings would proceed and how voting would take place

Question 2

what was the formation of the NA

Answer 2

• delay, frustration and anti-climax followed the grand opening
• the de[tuies first task was to verify the credentials of those elected. the first and second estates wanted to do this alone but the third estate felt that it had to be done all together
• Abbe Sieyes argued that the third estate was the nation and had every right to act alone if others refused to join it some clerics were persuaded and joined during the week of 10 June but no nobles
• on 17 June, the third estate voted 491 to 90 votes to call itself the National Assembly

Question 3

what is the Tennis Court Oath

Answer 3

• when the deputies arrived on the 20 June 1789 they found the doors to the assembly room locked and guarded and they feared the worst
• they were alarmed by the presence of royal soldiers and their underlying fear that the King might forcibly dissolve their Assembly
• Led by their elected president, Bailly, they made their way to the nearest available indoor space which was the tennis court
• they swore the tennis court oath where they promised never to disband, no matter where they were forced to meet until France had a new constitution

Question 4

what was the Royal session

Answer 4

• on 23 June, LXVI accepted the principle of consent to new taxation and a fairer land tax based on the value of land, not social status
• however, deputies were angry at his refusal to accept the name National Assembly and his demand that the estates meet separately. so at the end of the session they refused to leave, an open display of defiance
• constant meetings were held at the Palais Royal with orators such as Desmouillens stirring up fury against the court

Question 5

what was the aftermath

Answer 5

• as the King was fearful he brought 4800 extra troops to France on 26th June
• on 27th June LXVI rescinded the orders of the Royal session recognizing the NA and permitting voting by head. however, a few deputies still distrusted the King and the steady flow of troops to the capital increased their suspicions
• by 4 July there were just under 30,000 troops in and around the capital and many were foreign mercenaries