On May 4,1789, amidst high hopes and expectations among the deputies and in the nation at large, the Estates-General opened at Versailles. The opening ceremony, with an emphasis on the distinction of orders that denigrated the Third Estate, annoyed several Third Estate deputies. The more substantive aspect of the problem of the distinction of orders appeared soon afterward, however, and the impasse that developed in the opening days of the Estates-General quickly established privilege – specifically privilege as embodied in the procedures of 1614 – as the primary obstacle to be overcome before the task of national regeneration could be realized.

Having agreed to consider yielding their pecuniary privileges, the nobility believed that nothing more should be asked of them and attempted to maintain deliberation by orders. The day after the opening ceremonies, the clergy and the nobility withdrew to their respective chambers, while the Third Estate reassembled in the common meeting room to await the other two orders.