jan 24, 1789 - King Louis XVI issues a royal edict summoning the Estates General

Description:

For multiple decades, France had been in economic decline due to debts from the 7 years war and providing assistance to the rebels during the American War for Independence. By this time, France was pretty much broke and needed to come up with a plan. To do this, Louis XVI issued an edict to call the Estates General, the first calling since 1614.

Added to timeline:

Date: