King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General into session in 1789 to levy new taxes in order to improve his credit.
During this period, France was facing severe financial difficulties due to its involvement in wars and lavish spending by the royal family. Louis XVI hoped that by summoning the Estates-General, he would be able to secure the approval of the representatives of the three estates (the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners) to increase taxes and generate revenue for the government. However, the meeting of the Estates-General in 1789 ultimately led to the outbreak of the French Revolution, as the commoners (Third Estate) demanded greater political representation and social equality.