|
The Third Estate consisted of the bourgeoisie (middle class) as well as peasants. "What
is the Third Estate?" wrote Abbe Sieyes. "It is everything!" This
liberal clergyman rallied the the commoners of France to assert
their power and take charge of the Estates General. Finally
at his suggestion, they declared themselves the National Assembly
and invited the other two orders to join them. The next day
they found their meeting hall locked. At the suggestion of
one of the delegates they moved to a nearby indoor tennis
court, where they swore the Tennis Court Oath.
|
