Cahiers de doléances

Cahiers de doléances were notebooks or petitions filled out by citizens in pre-revolutionary France, especially during 1789. They allowed ordinary people from all social classes to voice their concerns, complaints, and suggestions about government, taxes, and local issues. These documents helped reveal widespread dissatisfaction and called attention to grievances that contributed to the revolutionary movement. Essentially, they were a way for citizens to participate in political discussion and seek reforms, reflecting their hopes for a fairer and more responsive governance.