Abbé Sieyès' pamphlet "What is the Third Estate?"

Definition

Abbé Sieyès' pamphlet 'What is the Third Estate?' is a political document published in 1789 that argued for the significance of the Third Estate in French society, which comprised the common people. The pamphlet played a crucial role in shaping revolutionary thought by asserting that the Third Estate represented the true strength of the nation, while the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) were essentially useless. This work significantly influenced the events leading up to and during the French Revolution by rallying support for the demands of the common people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sieyès' pamphlet was published in January 1789 and quickly gained widespread popularity among the Third Estate.
2. The central argument of the pamphlet was that the Third Estate was everything while the other two estates were merely a burden on society.
3. Sieyès called for political reform, emphasizing that the Third Estate should have a larger voice in governance and representation.
4. His work contributed to the ideological foundation of the French Revolution, influencing events such as the formation of the National Assembly.
5. The pamphlet sparked discussions about social inequality and representation that echoed throughout Europe during and after the Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did Sieyès' arguments in 'What is the Third Estate?' contribute to changing perceptions of social hierarchy in France?
  • Sieyès' arguments challenged traditional views of social hierarchy by asserting that the Third Estate was essential to the nation's success, while the clergy and nobility were seen as unnecessary. This shift in perception encouraged people to reevaluate their roles within society and highlighted the injustices faced by common people. The pamphlet inspired individuals from various social classes to unite for reform, laying a foundation for revolutionary sentiment and action.
• In what ways did 'What is the Third Estate?' impact the formation of the National Assembly during the early stages of the French Revolution?
  • Sieyès' pamphlet directly influenced the formation of the National Assembly by empowering members of the Third Estate to assert their rights. It provided them with a clear rationale for breaking away from the Estates-General and demanding equal representation. As a result, when representatives of the Third Estate declared themselves as the National Assembly in June 1789, they did so with a strong sense of legitimacy derived from Sieyès' arguments about their role as the true representatives of France.
• Evaluate how 'What is the Third Estate?' reflects broader Enlightenment ideals and its role in fostering revolutionary thought across Europe.
  • 'What is the Third Estate?' embodies key Enlightenment ideals such as equality, individual rights, and questioning traditional authority. Sieyès' emphasis on reasoned argumentation and advocating for social justice resonated with Enlightenment thinkers who called for societal reform. The pamphlet not only galvanized support for revolutionary ideas within France but also inspired similar movements across Europe, encouraging discussions about democracy, representation, and human rights that would shape political landscapes in numerous countries.

Related terms

Third Estate:

The social class in France made up of common people, including peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie, who were largely excluded from political power.

National Assembly:

The revolutionary assembly formed by representatives of the Third Estate after they broke away from the Estates-General, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.

Estates-General:

The legislative assembly in France prior to the revolution, consisting of representatives from the three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.