-
American War of Independence
Helped the U.S. fight against Britain, which resulted in Britain's defeat, but put France in a financial bind. -
Estates-General
It is a meeting of representatives of the people of the country, usually called at the request of the king, and is divided into three classes: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. It was usually convened in times of great financial or political difficulties, as in the case of Louis XVI in 1789 to settle the foreign debts of the Seven Years' War and the American War of Independence. -
National Assembly
In 1789, during the Estates-General, the commoners' representatives demanded the reform of the tax system and the abolition of the privileges of the nobility. The third class decided to transform itself into the National Assembly in mid-June after it failed to get the cooperation of the privileged class. -
The Tennis Court Oath
On June 20, the King ordered the closure of the parliamentary arena and the third class delegates moved to a nearby tennis court. King ordered the closure of the stadium, and the third class delegates moved to a nearby tennis court to continue their meeting and made a vow not to disband, which is known as the Tennis Court Declaration. -
Jacques Necker was dismissed
On July 11, 1789, Finance Minister Jacques Necker was dismissed because of the king's poor reputation, as he had suggested that the royal family spend a budget to help save money. Louis XVI dismissed him for declaring that the royal family should live on the budget, a move that worsened the situation. -
“Prise de la Bastille”
Because of the frequent mobilization of the royal army against the establishment of the National Convention, the citizens of Paris were suspicious. Therefore, on July 14, the Parisian crowd sacked the Bastille and the French Revolution was overwhelmed.