The Third Estate Declares Itself the National Assembly - June 17, 1789

Context

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799. It was characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of radical political factions, and widespread social change. The revolution was driven by a complex interplay of economic hardship, political discontent, and Enlightenment ideals.

The Estates-General

Before the revolution, French society was divided into three estates:

1. The First Estate: The clergy.
2. The Second Estate: The nobility.
3. The Third Estate: The common people, which included the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants.

In 1789, facing a severe financial crisis, King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General, an assembly representing the three estates, to propose solutions to the kingdom’s fiscal problems. This was the first time the Estates-General had been convened since 1614.

Key Event: Declaration of the National Assembly

On June 17, 1789, frustrated by the lack of progress and the voting system that favored the First and Second Estates, the representatives of the Third Estate took a bold step. They declared themselves the “National Assembly,” asserting that they were the true representatives of the French people. This move was a direct challenge to the authority of the king and the traditional structure of the Estates-General.

Significance

• Shift in Power: The declaration marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy and the privileged estates to the common people. It was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the French Revolution.
• Unity and Representation: The National Assembly’s formation was based on the principle that sovereignty belonged to the nation, not the monarch. It emphasized the need for a government that represented all citizens, not just the privileged few.
• Prelude to Further Action: This act set the stage for further revolutionary actions, including the famous Tennis Court Oath on June 20, 1789, where members of the National Assembly vowed not to disband until they had drafted a new constitution for France.

Aftermath

The declaration of the National Assembly was a catalyst for the events that followed, including the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the eventual abolition of the feudal system. It also led to the drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which laid the foundation for modern democratic principles.

The actions of the Third Estate on June 17, 1789, were instrumental in the transformation of French society and governance, influencing revolutionary movements worldwide and marking the beginning of a new era in French history.