The document outlines the social and economic conditions in France prior to the French Revolution. It notes that the top two estates, the nobility and clergy, were privileged and paid no taxes while owning most of the land, whereas the third estate made up 97% of the population but faced heavy taxes, debt, and a weak monarchy. Dissatisfied with their lack of representation, the third estate formed the National Assembly to pass laws in the name of the people and effectively end the monarchy's power.

1. Ch 7.1

2.  The Privileged Estates
 Top 2 estates
 No taxes
 Owned most land (church
nobles)
 Third Estate
 97% of population
 3 groups: middle class,
workers, peasants

3.  Enlightenment ideas
 Manyin the third estate inspired by American
Revolution
 Economy was suffering
 Heavy taxes made profit difficult
 Cost of living was increasing
 Crop failures
 Country was deep in debt
 Large spending by royalty
 Debt from previous kings
 Weak leader
 Very indecisive