# Estates-General summoned for 1789 (1788)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1788-estates-general-summoned-for-1789
Location: France

The crown called the representative body for the first time since 1614 because of fiscal breakdown. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XVI (King of France). Estates-General summoned for 1789 is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Estates-General summoned for 1789 is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XVI](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xvi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Estates-General summoned for 1789](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Estates-General+summoned+for+1789&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Estates-General summoned for 1789](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Estates-General+summoned+for+1789)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)