1787 Assembly of Notables

On 22 February 1787, Louis XVI summoned an Assembly of Notables. The Kingdom was in financial deficit and a reform was badly needed. Princes of royal blood and other members of the high nobility were invited to take part to this event.

The King was not alone in wanting to make changes. Some of the nobles wanted change too. The problem was, all parties involved wanted change in their favour...

I like the cartoon of ducks queueing up to find out with what sauce they were going to be eaten... Perfect illustration of how members of the nobility felt about being taxed. This assembly of notables gathered several times in 1787 and the following year. In spite of that, no agreement was found. Until 1789 when nobility really had to face the music. And what music!