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The Estates General of 1789 was the last general assembly representing the French estates of the realm: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate). Summoned for the first time in over 150 years by King Louis XVI in the midst of financial struggles, the King wanted to implement new tax revenues. However, the Third Estate insisted on greater representation and invited the other two estates to join them in forming a National Assembly against the wishes of the King. The creation of the new National Assembly signaled the outbreak of the French Revolution.

Blood libels are sensationalized allegations that a person or group engages in human sacrifice, often accompanied by the claim that the blood of victims is used in various rituals and/or acts of cannibalism. The alleged victims are often children. Some of the best documented cases of blood libel focus upon accusations against Jews, but many other groups have been accused, including Christians, Cathars, Carthaginians, Knights Templar, Witches, Roma, Wiccans, and Druids.