EG Meeting Flashcards
What was the EG
Last met in 1614
A legislative assembly of the different estates in French society
Advisory body - no powers in its own right
Had a separate assembly for each estate
What was the Society of 30
Group of mostly noble liberal reforms inc magistrates and clergy
Encouraged members of the third estate to fight for their rights
They came up with the voting by head idea
Sieyes significance?
published ‘What is the Third Estate’ saying that they’re oppressed
He was acc a clergyman- advocating radical enlightened ideas
Voting debate
Occured in Paris Parlement c. sept-dec 1788
By head? or By order? (individuals get vote vs estates get one vote each)
What happens in Dec 1788?
Louis agrees to increase 3E representation but doesnt confirm by head or by order voting
What were cahier de dolances?
List of grievances drawn up by estates from different provinces ..ups tension
1st estate- dont want to lose power; dont want to tolerate Protestantism; prepared to give up financial privileges if nation agree
2nd estate- 89% willing to give up financial priviledges, attacks louis for despotism
3rd estate- against absolute monarchy and wants voting by head
When did EG meet
4th may
Split of EG members
291 First Estate
282 Second Estate
580 3rd Estate
Why was first month of EG unsuccessful?
- 1st and 2nd estate given procession in the Hall of Mirrors- while 3rd estate were ina lesser apartment, and so felt humiliated..more willing to oppose Voting by Order
- First day of the meeting- Necker just spoke about financial situation; not mentioning reform; King wore opulent clothing (untactful)
- checking the eligibilty of the deputies- 1st and 2nd estate refuse to be checked, 3rd estate refise to do anything
What happens on 4th June
Dauphin dies- king goes to Marly for a week
When did people begin to join 3rd estate
13th june- 3 priests from Poitou agree 3E proposal that the other 2 estates should join them as representatives of the country
10 more join over next 2 days
When did 3rd Estate call themselves National Assembly
17th June
18-20th June
King lock 3E out of seance royale
Tennis Court Oath (20th June)- promise to never separate until they make a just consitutiton
Kings actions and effects after TCO?
23rd- seance royale: claims NA are illegal; BUT makes concessions eg abolishment of the lettres de cachets and abolishment of corvee and gabelle; BUT told NA to split up
24th- 151 clergy join NA (diminishing of Louis’ authority) and then 47 nobles
26th- 5k troops brought to Paris
27th- tells nobles and clergy to join NA (union)
