In order to fortify his position, and perhaps to show his contempt for clergy and barons alike, Philip took a step which profoundly affected the future of France.

At a great council summoned to consider these papal claims, he commanded the presence not only of the ecclesiastics and nobles, the two governing estates, but also summoned the representatives of the towns and cities--the _Tiers Etat_! Prelate, baron, and bourgeois for the first time met in a Council of State.
A king who was the impersonation of absolutism had created the _States-General_ (1302); had forged the instrument which would eventually effect for France a deliverance from monarchy itself! The cause of the king was sustained by the council; the claims of the pope were rejected.

Still not satisfied, Philip then audaciously proposed a general ecclesiastical council to determine whether Boniface legitimately wore the triple crown.

When the old man died, as is said from the shock of this attempt, the king was master of the situation.
Gifts had already been distributed among corrupt cardinals in the conclave.

The papacy was at his feet, and might be in his hand.