The Third Estate sought to reform the Estates General by demanding a more equitable voting system, specifically calling for "double representation" and a system where votes were counted by head rather than by estate. This was to ensure that their larger population could have a greater influence on decisions, as they represented the majority of the French populace. Their demands aimed to break the traditional dominance of the First and Second Estates, which often led to decisions favoring the clergy and nobility. Ultimately, these aspirations contributed to the broader push for the French Revolution.
The Third Estate believed voting in the Estates-General was unfair because each estate had only one vote, regardless of its size or population. This meant that the First and Second Estates, which comprised the clergy and nobility, could easily outvote the Third Estate, representing the common people, despite them being the vast majority of the population. The Third Estate felt this system marginalized their voices and interests, leading to widespread frustration and demands for reform. Their discontent ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution.
The Third Estate made up 95% of the population but had little power is the general Estates and they wanted equal privileges.
Before the Revolution in France : The Estates-General consisted of three estates :the Clergy (about 100,000 people), the Nobles (about 400, 000 people) and all the others (about 96% of the population) belonged to the Third Estate.
After the Third Estate decided to leave the Estates-General in 1789, it formed the National Assembly. This assembly aimed to represent the common people of France and sought to establish a new constitutional framework for the country. The Third Estate's actions culminated in the Tennis Court Oath, where they pledged not to disband until a new constitution was created, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
At the third meeting of the Estates-General on June 17, 1789, the representatives of the Third Estate, frustrated by their lack of influence and the refusal of the other estates to join them in a combined assembly, declared themselves the National Assembly. They asserted their intention to represent the people of France and committed to drafting a new constitution. This pivotal moment marked a significant step towards the French Revolution, as the Third Estate sought to challenge the existing power structures.
The National Assembly was formed mostly by members of the third estate, while the Estates General consisted of the first, second, and third estates.
The Third Estate.
The National Assembly was formed mostly by members of the third estate, while the Estates General consisted of the first, second, and third estates.
The National Assembly was formed mostly by members of the third estate, while the Estates General consisted of the first, second, and third estates.
The National Assembly was formed mostly by members of the third estate, while the Estates General consisted of the first, second, and third estates.
The Clergy. The second estate was the nobility, and the third was the commoners (everyone else)
The third estate was excluded from the estates general meeting. As the third estate made up the general populace they then formed a meeting at the local tennis court where the tennis court oath took place; this is also how they formed their national assembly for the third estate. The fact that they were excluded is said to be a contributing factor to the French Revolution
They insisted that all three estates meet together and that each delegate have a vote. This would give the advantage to the Third Estate, which had as many delegates as the other two estates combined
The Third Estate
It was unfair for each estate to have one vote because the first and second estate would always out-vote the third estate, seeing they have more common interests. Moreover, the third estate encompassed 97% of the French population yet they only receive one vote in the Estate's General.
the third estate. after their separation they name themselves as 'national assembly'
National Assembly