In 1789, a majority of the French population face crushing taxes, with most barely making enough for one meal. The nobility, on the other hand, pay none, instead using those taxes to live and spend lavishly. At the same time, the French people are questioning the ruling ways of their King, as his spending and debts fuel the economic crisis. New and quickly spreading Enlightenment ideas based upon reason, such as natural rights and popular sovereignty, are quickly being adopted by the French middle class. These circumstances, with the addition of the imbalance of voting power within the Estate General as well as events like the Seven Years War, have pushed France to the brink of revolution. The problems of taxation and voting power plague the Estates General, and conflict and tensions within the institution arise due each Estate having its own agenda and solutions to major problems. France’s future lies in the hands of the delegates.

A period of conflict in France, including the French Revolution and Seven Years War, devastated the French economy due to the massive accumulation of war debts. To add on, the French monarchy, their lavish spending ways, and the extremely unequal tax system of the Estates General has led to tensions among the French government and anger among the French people. Bread, the most basic necessity in every French person's life, is now becoming a luxury most can’t afford to have due to the problems over grain exports leading to grain shortages. The economic inequality, lack of representation, and ideological debate over the role of the state in the economy are also key issues spurring unrest, therefore all becoming urgent affairs that the Estates General must address. This is aided by war driven trade disruption and inconsistent tax policy. Each member of the Estates General must help contribute to creating a fairer economic system that addresses all of these matters and resolves the most current crises as well so the current state and future of France remains secure and positioned for recovery.

Neha Karthikeyan, a junior at Maggie Walker, is thrilled to be your co-chair for the Estates General Crisis Committee. She has participated in Model UN conferences for four years, and it is her third year as a part of GSMUN. Aside from Model UN, Neha is involved in various clubs such as Red Cross and Future Medical Professionals. In her free time, Neha enjoys volunteering, boxing, dancing, and playing the piano. She is eager to meet all the delegates and see their solutions to these pressing issues!

Naman Kaushik, a junior at Maggie Walker, is also ecstatic to be your other co-chair for the Estates General Crisis Committee. He has participated in Model UN for four years, and it is his second year as a part of GSMUN. Besides Model UN, Naman is involved with several other clubs and extracurriculars at Maggie Walker, such as the soccer team, DECA, and Robotics. He is also an avid Boy Scout on the verge of reaching Eagle Scout. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends, playing the saxophone, going camping, and biking. He is elated and thrilled to meet all the delegates as they make their way to solving these complex challenges and issues!