27 Mai 1789 Jahr - King Louis 16th summons the Estates General

Beschreibung:

closest thing France has to a Parliament; called for first time since 1614 to raise new revenue

taxes were unevenly paid by the classes

First Estate- Clergy 1.5% of pop. own 10%land
Second Estate- Nobles 2% pop. own 20% land
Third Estate- everyone else 96.5% pop. own 70% land (peasants, Bourgeoisie-middle class, common workers) Bourgeoisie- just as rich as some nobles but denied rights

voting was based on how much land was owned, not by population- not a real representation of the people's will. They first and second estate lived on the backs of the third estate