Unit 5: The Grievances of Carcassonne

Author Bio: This writing is from the representatives of the Third Estate in Carcassonne. Carcassonne is located in Southern France. The author of the document is unknown to historians today. It is likely that the writer originated from the bourgeoisie and spoke on behalf of the people in the Third Estate. It addresses their wants and necessities in regards to how France should be governed.

Date Context: "Grievances of Carcassonne" is from James H. Robinson and Charles A. Beard's Readings in Modern History, which was published in 1908.

Summary: The writing specifically addresses concerns as to how the people of the Third Estate feel France should be governed. It includes topics such as religion, equality, and civil liberties. At first it requests that the king ban all public worship that is not Roman Catholicism. The author also tends to criticize the king and the current state of government in France.