Storming of the Bastille

Definition

The storming of the Bastille occurred on July 14, 1789, when revolutionaries attacked this medieval fortress and prison in Paris, marking a significant event in the French Revolution. This act was driven by anger against the monarchy and the injustices of the ancien régime, symbolizing the uprising against tyranny and the fight for liberty. The fall of the Bastille became a powerful symbol of the revolution, representing the struggle for freedom and the beginning of a new era in France.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The storming of the Bastille is celebrated annually in France as Bastille Day, a national holiday symbolizing liberty and the fight against oppression.
2. At the time of the storming, the Bastille was seen as a symbol of royal tyranny, holding political prisoners and storing weapons and gunpowder.
3. The event marked the beginning of widespread popular uprisings across France, encouraging further revolutionary actions against feudal privileges.
4. The storming involved around 1,000 revolutionaries who successfully took control of the fortress after fierce fighting, showcasing the strength of popular discontent.
5. The aftermath led to significant political changes in France, including increased radicalization of the revolution and ultimately paved the way for the establishment of a republic.

Review Questions

• How did the storming of the Bastille influence public sentiment towards the French monarchy?
  • The storming of the Bastille significantly shifted public sentiment against the French monarchy by demonstrating that ordinary citizens could challenge royal authority. The event ignited widespread anger towards King Louis XVI and his government, as it symbolized not only resistance to oppression but also hope for change. This act fueled revolutionary fervor throughout France, leading more people to support radical reforms and ultimately contributing to the collapse of absolute monarchy.
• Analyze how the storming of the Bastille served as a catalyst for further revolutionary actions throughout France.
  • The storming of the Bastille acted as a catalyst for further revolutionary actions by inspiring citizens across France to rise against feudalism and demand rights. As news spread about the successful attack on this symbol of oppression, it emboldened other regions to challenge local authorities and demand change. This wave of revolutionary spirit led to additional uprisings, such as those during the Great Fear, where peasants revolted against their lords, amplifying calls for social justice and equality.
• Evaluate the significance of the storming of the Bastille in shaping modern notions of democracy and human rights.
  • The storming of the Bastille holds immense significance in shaping modern notions of democracy and human rights by marking a clear break from oppressive rule toward ideas centered on individual freedoms and collective sovereignty. It established a powerful precedent for revolutions around the world by showcasing that people have the right to overthrow unjust governments. The event emphasized principles like liberty, equality, and fraternity, which became cornerstones for democratic movements globally, influencing future revolutions in places like Latin America and beyond.

Related terms

Ancien Régime: The political and social system in France before the French Revolution, characterized by absolute monarchy and feudal privileges.

National Assembly: The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in France, which played a crucial role in challenging royal authority and establishing a new government.

French Revolution:

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, which saw the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism.