Third Estate Forms National Assembly in France
June 17th, 1789
June 17th, 1789
How Long Ago?
235 years, 8 months, 26 days ago
Location
Versailles, France
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Louis XVI
- Maximilien Robespierre
- Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès
- Jean-Sylvain Bailly
Links & References
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Third Estate Forms National Assembly in France
On June 17, 1789, representatives of the Third Estate in France declared themselves the National Assembly. This pivotal moment followed their frustration with the refusal of the other estates to reform the voting process during the Estates-General meeting. The Third Estate, comprised mainly of commoners, sought to represent the majority of the French population and aimed to address issues of inequality and taxation. Their declaration signaled a significant shift in power dynamics, advocating for a governmental structure that would reflect the will of the people.
National Assembly declared by commoners' representatives.
Frustrations with voting processes led to declaration.
First step towards the French Revolution's reforms.
Promoted ideas of democracy and popular sovereignty.
What Happened?
The declaration of the Third Estate as the National Assembly marked a crucial turning point in French political history. The Third Estate, which represented the commoners and a vast majority of the population, met on June 17, 1789, after facing persistent opposition at the Estates-General convened at Versailles. Frustrated by their diminished representation and the voting mechanism that favored the First and Second Estates, the members of the Third Estate took a bold step on that day to assert their authority and legitimacy as representatives of the people.
As a statement of intent, the delegates proposed to draft a new constitution, emphasizing the principles of popular sovereignty and the rights of citizens. The move was met with varying reactions from the monarchy and the other estates; Louis XVI's government was alarmed at this assertion of popular power, fearing it could undermine royal authority. Nonetheless, the National Assembly began working on reforms aimed at addressing the issues of taxation, legal rights, and social equity.
Subsequently, the National Assembly initiated a series of progressive changes that would culminate in the French Revolution. Their actions inspired widespread public support and led to events such as the Tennis Court Oath, where members vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established. This declaration established the foundation for the transition from absolute monarchy to a republic in France.
Why Does it Matter?
The declaration of the National Assembly by the Third Estate is a seminal moment in the progression towards modern democratic governance. It represented a shift in power dynamics from the elite to the common people, asserting that legitimacy in government should derive from the consent of the governed. This was not only a defining moment for France but also influenced revolutionary movements around the globe by promoting concepts of equality and citizenship.
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