What Was The Significance Of The Tennis Court Oath?
The Tennis Court Oath was a defining moment that symbolized the unity and resolve of the French people against an oppressive regime.
Introduction
France was divided into three estates, with the Third Estate representing the commoners, who faced heavy taxation and little representation.
Historical Background
The Estates-General was convened to address the financial crisis, but quickly became a platform for the Third Estate's grievances.
The Estates-General of 1789
On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, asserting that it represented the people of France.
The Formation of the National Assembly
On June 20, 1789, locked out of their meeting hall, the National Assembly members gathered in a nearby tennis court and vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established.
The Tennis Court Oath
Leaders like Jean-Sylvain Bailly, Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès, and Maximilien Robespierre played crucial roles in the oath and the revolution.
Key Figures
The Tennis Court Oath marked a break from royal authority and unified the revolutionary forces, leading to significant events like the storming of the Bastille.