Page 1: The Origins and Early Stages

The French Revolution emerged from a perfect storm of social, economic, and political factors. France's support of the American Revolution and the Seven Years War had left the government in severe debt, while King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette maintained their lavish lifestyle at Versailles.

Highlight: While nobility lived in luxury, 98% of the French population suffered from famine and bore the burden of taxation.

The Convocation of the estates general brought together France's three social classes:

• The Clergy (0.5% of population)
• The Nobility (1.5% of population)
• The Third Estate (98% of population)

Definition: The Estates General was France's general assembly representing the three social classes, called by Louis XVI to address the nation's financial crisis.

Example: The voting system was inherently unfair - despite representing 98% of the population, the Third Estate's 600 representatives were easily outvoted by the combined 600 representatives of the clergy and nobility.

Vocabulary: The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal moment where members pledged to create France's first constitution.