The Calling of the Estates-General

Louis XVI's announcement (August 8, 1788) that the Estates-General would convene in May 1789 transformed French politics. This body, representing the three orders of clergy, nobility, and commons, had not met since 1614. Its convocation admitted royal inability to govern without consent while raising fundamental questions about representation, procedure, and power. The months before its meeting witnessed unprecedented political mobilization as groups organized to influence this unexpected opportunity.

The debate over forms revealed revolutionary potential within traditional structures. Should voting follow 1614 precedent with equal representation for each order voting separately, ensuring noble and clerical veto over change? Or should the Third Estate, representing 98% of the population, have doubled representation and voting by head, enabling reform? The Society of Thirty, including liberal nobles like Lafayette, campaigned for doubling. Parlements, belatedly recognizing danger, insisted on traditional forms. Popular opinion overwhelmingly supported Third Estate claims.

The royal decision to double Third Estate representation while leaving voting procedures undetermined proved typically indecisive. It encouraged Third Estate expectations while alarming privileged orders without satisfying either. The electoral process itself revolutionized politics as assemblies throughout France debated grievances and elected representatives. The cahiers de doléances, grievance lists each assembly prepared, revealed widespread desires for reform while maintaining monarchical loyalty. Few envisioned revolution; most expected regenerated monarchy.

Electoral results reflected social tensions and political awakening. Third Estate deputies included many lawyers and officials, educated and articulate but excluded from high positions. Liberal nobles like Mirabeau (elected by the Third Estate after noble rejection) and Lafayette brought revolutionary experience. Most dramatically, parish priests dominated clerical elections, bringing grievances against wealthy bishops. These electoral dynamics created an assembly predisposed to change rather than conservation.