Question

When Louis XVI called the Estates-General, it was the first time that had been done in how many years?

A) 50
B) 75
C) 100
D) 150

Answer 1

The Estates-General was called by Louis XVI in 1789 after not being convened since 1614, foreshadowing the French Revolution due to the financial crisis and outdated governance system.

Step-by-step explanation:

When King Louis XVI called the Estates-General in 1789, it marked the first time this assembly had been convened in 175 years. This significant event was a precursor to the French Revolution and was seen as a chance to establish a new parliamentary monarchy. The Estates-General had not been called together since 1614, and its long-awaited reconvening was a result of the dire financial situation France faced, due in part to the country's involvement in the Seven Years War and the financial support extended to the American Revolution. However, institutional issues such as the voting system, where each estate had one vote—thus outvoting the Third Estate, which comprised a majority of the population—led to major conflicts and the subsequent declaration of the National Assembly by the Third Estate.