ABSTRACT
There was opposition to the Revolution from the start. Within the Estates General, groups rapidly emerged opposed to all change, or favouring some kind of enlightened despotism. Papers were written, and plans made which were diametrically opposed to the intentions of the Third Estate. The Count of Ferrand, for example, published leaflets arguing that only by maintaining the three orders could the rights of every citizen be preserved. The court, and particularly the Queen’s group, appear to have regarded these plans with optimism, but their hopes were soon swamped by the ‘July Days’.
