Estates-General
A legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes of French subjects
Real World Example
The Estates-General was significant because it was called in 1789 to address France's financial crisis, highlighting the deep social and economic divides between the three estates: the clergy, nobility, and commoners. This meeting exposed the inequality and lack of representation for the Third Estate, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and sparking the French Revolution. The demand for equal representation and fair taxation at the Estates-General echoes today's ongoing struggles for social justice and democratic participation. These ideas continue to impact daily life as people advocate for equal rights, fair treatment, and representation in government decisions. For instance, modern movements for voting rights and economic equality are rooted in the same principles that emerged during the Estates-General.
