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Opening of the States
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Opening of the States
The Opening of the States, Versailles during the French Revolution Date: 5 May 1789
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Media ID 20140423
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1789 Opening Revolution Versailles
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This striking image captures the historic moment of the Opening of the Estates-General in Versailles on May 5, 1789, an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Estates-General was the ancient legislative body of the Kingdom of France, composed of the Clergy, the Nobility, and the Third Estate, which represented the common people. The three orders had not met since 1614, and the call for their convening was a response to the growing unrest and financial crisis in the kingdom. In this photograph, we see the grand Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles filled with the deputies of the three Estates, each order seated in its designated area. The Clergy and the Nobility are dressed in their finest robes and headdresses, while the Third Estate, represented by commoners and bourgeoisie, wear simple attire. The contrast between the opulence of the first two orders and the simplicity of the Third Estate highlights the deep social and political divisions within the kingdom. The King, Louis XVI, is depicted in the foreground, seated on his throne and wearing his crown. He is shown addressing the Estates-General, calling for unity and cooperation to address the pressing issues facing the nation. However, the gulf between the estates was too wide, and the Third Estate soon demanded a separate assembly and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. This moment in Versailles marked the beginning of the end of the Ancien Régime and the start of the French Revolution, which would fundamentally transform the political landscape of Europe.
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