Overview
This lecture covers the collapse of the Estates General, the formation of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, the storming of the Bastille, and the abolition of feudal privileges during the early French Revolution.
Collapse of the Estates General & Formation of National Assembly
- The Estates General breaks down when the Third Estate withdraws and forms the National Assembly, claiming to represent all of France.
- Some clergy and nobles join the National Assembly, but others hesitate, waiting for the king’s approval.
- King Louis XVI locks the delegates out of their meeting chamber, hoping to stop their efforts.
The Tennis Court Oath
- Locked out, the National Assembly meets in a tennis court and swears not to adjourn until France has a constitution.
- This marks a challenge to the absolute monarchy by demanding legal limits on royal power.
- The Tennis Court Oath symbolizes unity among the three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.
King's Response & Increasing Tensions
- Louis XVI reluctantly recognizes the National Assembly but secretly gathers troops near Versailles.
- The presence of troops increases distrust and fear among reformers and the public.
Storming of the Bastille & Spread of Fear
- News of the king's actions triggers panic and rumors in Paris, leading to the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
- Bastille Day becomes a symbol of the revolution and is still celebrated as a French holiday.
- The countryside erupts in panic known as "the Great Fear," fueled by rumors of aristocratic plots and grain shortages.
Abolition of Feudal Privileges
- The National Assembly issues the decrees of August 4, abolishing feudal dues, noble privileges, tax exemptions, and special hunting rights for nobles.
- These reforms effectively end the feudal system and seek to calm the rural uprising.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Estates General — A legislative assembly representing the three estates (clergy, nobility, commoners) of France.
- National Assembly — Body formed by the Third Estate to represent the French nation and enact reforms.
- Tennis Court Oath — Pledge by the National Assembly not to adjourn until they created a constitution for France.
- Bastille — A medieval fortress and prison in Paris, symbolizing royal tyranny, stormed on July 14, 1789.
- Decrees of August 4 — Laws passed abolishing feudal privileges and rights of the nobility.
- Feudalism — Social system where nobles held special privileges and peasants owed duties and dues.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and the influence of liberal ideas in the next lesson.