Definition:

When the Estates General gathered in France in 1789, the Estates – after prodding from the ‘Third Estate’ – agreed to break away and form their own representative body to properly reflect the views of the majority of Frenchmen. This new body was called the National Assembly and lasted from 1789 to 1791, when it voted itself out of existence so new elections could occur. During its life it facilitated a sweeping away of ancient regime France, with the old jurisdictions, offices and taxes voted out of existence.