The three estates could not agree on weather to address the problem of the taxation or completely reorganize the government. The third estate broke from the other two states, this was one of the first concrete steps towards revolution and change. Lead by Mirabeau, one the many people to help lead and change revolution. The third estate declared that they would form a new government, the National Assembly. The king had them locked out of their meeting rooms, but that didn't stop them. The third estate took the Tennis Court Oath, a pledge that they would continue meeting until France had a new government. After that, king Louis XVI was forced to order the first two estates to form a new government , joyful crowds filled the streets but the happiness did not last long.
Leaders
Charlotte Corday - She was opposed the more radical groups of the revolution. One of the radical leaders and journalist Jean-Paul Marat. Charlotte thought Marat needed to die in order to reserve peace in France, so she stabbed him to death and was later executed.
Georges Danton - He was one of the early leaders in the revolution, and often credited with the leading the overthrow of the French monarchy
Olympe de Gouges - She was a playwriter and author who wrote political pamphlets during the revolution. She thought women should have the same equal rights that men do. Unfortunately, she allied herself and was executed during the Reign of Terror.
Maximilien Robespierre - He was a very powerful revolution leader. He lead the mountain group within the Jacobin Club.
Jean Paul Marat - Jean was a radical journalist during the revolution who defended the poor people of France, and fought for their basic human rights.
Madame Roland - Madame held early revolutionary meetings in her home, and greatly influenced the political ideas of the day.
Marquis de Lafayette - During the revolution, he wanted to help people have more say in the government. Marquis was on the side of the people and helped to form the new government.
Mirabeau - Mirabeau was a early leader of the revolution and president of the National Constituent Assembly for a short while.
Napoleon - Napoleon put an end to the French Revolution when he overthrew the Directory and established the French Consulate.