EstatesGeneral
The Estates General was a legislative body in France during the Ancien Régime, comprised of representatives from the three traditional orders of society: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. It was convened by the king in times of crisis to address issues and make decisions on behalf of the kingdom. The Estates General played a significant role in the lead up to the French Revolution, as tensions between the different estates and their respective grievances contributed to the political upheaval that ultimately led to the downfall of the monarchy.