The Third Estate, comprising the common people of France, formed the National Assembly in 1789 as a response to their grievances and exclusion from the political process. At that time, France was divided into three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (the common people and the vast majority of the population).
During the Estates-General convened by King Louis XVI, the Third Estate felt frustrated and marginalized. Each estate had one vote, which meant that the combined votes of the First and Second Estates could easily outvote the Third Estate, despite them representing about 98% of the population. This inequity sparked a sense of injustice among the representatives of the Third Estate.
On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate took a bold step by declaring itself the National Assembly, asserting their authority to represent the people of France. This move was driven by their desire for political reform, equality, and a voice in the government. The assembly aimed to address issues such as taxation burdens, feudal privileges, and the lack of political representation.
The formation of the National Assembly marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution, as it signaled the Third Estate’s rejection of the old hierarchical system and its pursuit of a more egalitarian society. Ultimately, this act contributed to the rise of a new political order in France and laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of a constitutional monarchy.