Page 1: The Origins of the French Revolution
The French Revolution began as a response to deep-rooted social, economic, and political problems in France. The Estate General, representing all three estates, was called to address tax reforms, leading to the formation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate.
Definition: The Estate General was an assembly of representatives from all three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) convened to approve tax reforms.
Highlight: The Tennis Court Oath represented a crucial moment when the Third Estate formed an alliance and declared themselves the National Assembly.
Vocabulary: The Bourgeoisie refers to the educated middle class who were influenced by Enlightenment ideas.
The rigid class structure prevented social mobility, similar to other historical systems like:
Example: The caste system in India and feudalism in Europe.