Page 697 - 704 “French Revolution”

The French Revolution began with the financial problems the government created. The third estate was the only one being taxed as well as being the largest and poorest. Through the formation of the National Assembly after the Tennis Court Oath, the third estate swore not to dissolve until a constitution was written. The constitution, deriving from the American revolution, had the purpose of holding all of the laws of the country. But chaos was storming the streets of France with the poor revolting due to their lack of bread, and after the storming of the Bastille the French country side was being invaded by criminals. With the havoc surrounding france some nobles and delegates at Versailles began urging equal taxation and to end feudal dies. A law was passed and feudal dues were eliminated. Then on August 27, 1789, the National Assembly created the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which said, "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."