The major event in 1789 that marked the beginning of the French Revolution was the convening of the Estates-General on May 5, 1789, followed by the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The Estates-General was called to address the financial crisis in France and the inequities faced by the Third Estate (commoners). The storming of the Bastille became a symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression. This revolution eventually led to profound political and social changes in France and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide.