I have chosen to discuss the Estates General as I feel it features centrally in the debates surrounding the French Revolution.
I intend to give a brief but accurate summary of the theme, The Estates General, followed by an attempt to explain just how relevant The Estates General is to this infamous and continually ongoing debate. Finally I will demonstrate some of the contrasting and/or comparative analysis offered by various renowned historians.
King Louis XVI of France was heir to a country deep in debt and close to becoming bankrupt. It had been common practise for the King to sell off venal offices to the bourgeoisie in order to raise revenue and to ease the burden of poverty that was befalling the country. He was desperate to gain the support of 'the people' many of whom were starving and couldn't afford the price of a loaf of bread.
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