The Revolution of 1789

Abstract More than 1,200 deputies from the three estates gathered in Versailles late in April 1789. The expectations of their constituents were boundless, exemplified in the publication by a self-styled ‘roturier’ (commoner) from Anjou in western France of a seven-page Ave et le crédo du tiers-état, which concluded with an adaptation of the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in the equality that Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, has established among men: I believe in the liberty which was conceived by courage and born of magnanimity; which suffered under Brienne and Lamoignon, was crucified, died, and was buried, and descended into hell; which will soon be resurrected, will appear in the midst of the French, will be seated at the right hand of the Nation, from where she will judge the Third Estate and the Nobility.