WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -As the French kings began to centralize power and pursue policies of absolute monarchy, the Estates-General was convened less often. Upon the close of the 1614 meeting, it would not be called again until 1789, 175 years later.

Detailed explanation-2: -Louis XVI hoped to avoid bankruptcy by taxing the nobles. The nobles refused to pay taxes unless Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates General. This meeting had not been used since 1614. (That’s 175 years without a meeting of the representatives of France!)

Detailed explanation-3: -Neither Louis XIV nor Louis XV convoked an Estates-General, while their two immediate predecessors (Henry IV and Louis XIII) called only one each. The reason for this lies in the rise of absolute monarchy. The reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV were underpinned by absolutism.

Detailed explanation-4: -The political and financial situation in France had grown rather bleak, forcing Louis XVI to summon the Estates General. This assembly was composed of three estates – the clergy, nobility and commoners – who had the power to decide on the levying of new taxes and to undertake reforms in the country.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Estate General was last convened in 1614, and the King of France who had the power to host the Estates-General didn’t convene one for 174 years.