Why did the third estate declare a National Assembly?

The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly on June 17, 1789, in response to their exclusion from the Estates-General's decision-making process and the lack of representation for the common people. Frustrated by the privileges enjoyed by the First and Second Estates (the clergy and nobility), they sought to assert their rights and demand political reform. This declaration marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, as the Third Estate aimed to create a government that reflected the will of the majority of the population. Their actions ultimately led to a broader push for democracy and equality in France.