Final answer:
The Third Estate called themselves the National Assembly after leaving the Estates General, marking a seminal moment in the French Revolution. They advocated for democratic reform and a constitution for France, taking a revolutionary stand with the Tennis Court Oath.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Formation of the National Assembly
Following their departure from the Estates General, the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly on June 17, 1789. This decision was a significant step in the French Revolution, indicating the Third Estate's refusal to proceed with a system that rendered them underrepresented. As the majority of the French population, the Third Estate was comprised mainly of commoners and the bourgeoisie, who were burdened with high taxes and lack of political power compared to the First and Second Estates. The National Assembly represented a transition towards a government that emphasized Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, becoming a pivotal movement towards democratic governance in France.
The stand taken by the National Assembly was further solidified by the Tennis Court Oath, where they vowed not to disband until France had a proper constitution. This ultimately led to the storming of the Bastille and further revolutionary actions. The legacy of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath resonates as symbols of the fight against absolutism and for representation of the common people.