The French Revolution of 1789 began with the publication of a pamphlet by Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès, a French Catholic Clergyman and revolutionary sympathizer. In his work, known as Abbe Sieyès, he focused on the grievances of the Third Estate and outlined its demands. Specifically, he sought to answer three questions: what is the Third Estate, what is its current status, and what does it want to be?

Sieyès famously remarked that the Third Estate is Everything, as it represents the majority of the population. He explained that the members of the Third Estate perform a wide range of tasks, from providing essential resources to engaging in scientific work. However, despite their significant contributions, they were not accorded due recognition or rights. Thus, Sieyès encouraged the Third Estate to stand up for themselves and aim for representation in the Estate General.

When the King called for an Estate General Meeting in May 1789, representatives from all three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) attended, with discussions centering on voting procedures. The king wanted each estate to be considered a separate entity, but this was opposed by the Third Estate. They believed that an emphasis on voting would give them a fairer representation, as they had the majority of members. However, when the King refused to compromise, the Third Estate withdrew and formed their own governing body, known as the National Assembly, which aimed to protect their rights.

The National Assembly invited the other estates to participate, but made it clear that they could govern the state without their involvement. Overall, the French Revolution was a time of great upheaval, with societal, economic and political factors all contributing to the rise of revolutionary fervor. Despite initial resistance, the Third Estate was eventually able to unite and assert itself, leading to significant changes in French society.

On the month of September in 1791, the National Assembly of France decreed the "Declaration of Rights of Woman". However, things took a drastic turn on September 5^(th), 1793 when the Reign of Terror began in France. Bertrand Barère, a member of the committee of public safety, made a speech in support of the Reign of Terror, culminating with his infamous call to make it the order of the day. This speech gave rise to a violent approach by the Paris commune against the opposition to the revolution. As a result, the National Assembly took swift action to combat the enemies of the revolution and on September 17^(th), 1793, the National Convention passed the Law of Suspects.

The Law of Suspects identified specific criteria to detain suspects, particularly those who exhibited cruelty or displayed behavior in opposition to liberty via statements, comments, or writing. Those who failed to provide certification of patriotism and justify their performance in civic society were also refused. Civil servants were suspended and dismissed, and former nobles who did not demonstrate their devotion to the revolution were also considered subjects. This law led to the execution of 16,000 people during the time of Terror.

By February of the following year, Robespierre began to justify the government's quick and inflexible justice policies. However, this was met with resistance, and factions emerged leading to the eventual downfall of Robespierre. In July 27^(th), 1794, during a session of the National Convention, Robespierre and 21 of his supporters were arrested and executed for spreading tyranny in what was called the Thermidorian reaction.

Reference:

Abbe seiye book

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldhistory2/chapter/the-beginning-of-revolution/

Law of suspects