Storming of the Bastille in Paris
July 14th, 1789
July 14th, 1789

How Long Ago?
235 years, 8 months, 1 day ago
Location
Paris, France
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Maximilien Robespierre
- Georges Danton
- Bernard-René de Launay
Links & References
Tags
Storming of the Bastille in Paris
The Bastille, a fortress and prison in Paris, was stormed by a crowd of revolutionaries, marking a pivotal moment in the early stages of the French Revolution. The monarchy's oppressive rule and growing discontent among the populace had fueled tensions, leading to this bold act of defiance on July 14. The fall of the Bastille came to symbolize the fight for freedom and the rise of popular sovereignty, as it was seen as a direct assault against the King’s authority. This event ignited a wave of uprisings across France, galvanizing the revolutionaries' cause.
The Bastille was a symbol of royal tyranny.
Storming occurred in the morning hours.
The event marked the start of the French Revolution.
Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 annually.
What Happened?
The Bastille was originally built as a fortress in the late 14th century and later became a state prison used by the kings of France. By the late 18th century, it had come to symbolize the tyrannical rule of King Louis XVI and his government. The financial crisis, high taxes, and widespread famine in France had led to escalating social unrest and a demand for revolutionary change. On July 14, in a climate of fear and desperation, Parisians stormed the Bastille in search of guns and ammunition to defend themselves against royal troops. The assault began in the morning and involved thousands of revolutionaries armed with an eclectic assortment of weapons. They faced a small garrison of soldiers inside the fortress. After several hours of fighting, the crowd overcame the Bastille’s defenders and seized control of the prison.The fall of the Bastille marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution and is celebrated annually as Bastille Day. The event signified the uprising of the common people against oppression and fueled the revolutionary spirit throughout France. Following the storming, the Bastille's governor, Bernard-René de Launay, was captured and executed by the crowd, further demonstrating the revolutionaries' defiance. The storming of the Bastille was not just a military victory; it became a powerful symbol of the revolutionary cause, representing the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Why Does it Matter?
The Storming of the Bastille is a defining moment in French history that emphasizes the rise of the people against oppressive rule. It has had a profound influence on revolutionary movements worldwide, inspiring similar struggles for democracy and rights in other nations. Celebrated as Bastille Day, July 14 is a national holiday in France, symbolizing the ongoing commitment to liberty and justice.
Discover More Historic Events from July 14th
GippsAero GA8 Airvan Crash in Umeå
A GippsAero GA8 Airvan tragically crashed near Umeå, Sweden, resulting in the death of all nine individuals on board. The pilot had reported difficulties shortly after takeoff. Emergency services were deployed quickly to the crash site, which was in a remote area. The cause of the crash was later investigated by aviation authorities, who examined potential mechanical failures or pilot error.
Continue ReadingTruck Attack during Bastille Day in Nice
A man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, resulting in the deaths of 86 individuals and injuries to 434 others. The assailant, Mohamed Bouhlel, was shot by police shortly after the attack. The event took place on the Promenade des Anglais, a popular seaside walkway, where many had gathered for the festivities. This incident raised significant security concerns in France and across Europe, highlighting vulnerabilities in public spaces during large gatherings.
Continue ReadingNew Horizons Completes Pluto Flyby
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft achieved a historic flyby of Pluto, marking the first close-up analysis of the dwarf planet. Launched in 2006, New Horizons traveled over 3 billion miles to reach Pluto, offering unprecedented images and data. The mission aimed to increase understanding of Pluto's geology, atmosphere, and moons. The flyby provided insights into the icy dwarf planet's surface and its complex characteristics, igniting interest and excitement about our Solar System’s frontier.
Continue ReadingUnveiling of Rachel Carson Statue in Woods Hole
The statue of Rachel Carson was dedicated in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, honoring the influential environmentalist. The event celebrated Carson's legacy as a pioneer in environmental conservation and her impact on the modern environmental movement. The statue, created by sculptor Marguerite Kelly, depicts Carson at a critical moment of her life, symbolizing her dedication to nature and wildlife protection. A gathering of community members, environmental advocates, and local officials marked the occasion with speeches highlighting Carson's contributions and the ongoing environmental challenges faced today.
Continue ReadingAssassination Attempt on Jacques Chirac
During the annual Bastille Day parade, French President Jacques Chirac narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a man named Maxime Brunerie threw a knife at him. The incident occurred as Chirac was greeting the public from a military vehicle on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a significant national celebration day. The assailant was immediately subdued by security personnel. The motive appeared to be linked to Brunerie's anti-government sentiments and personal grievances.
Continue ReadingRus Flight 9633 Crashes During Takeoff
Rus Flight 9633, a regional passenger flight, crashed during takeoff from Chkalovsky Airport, leading to the loss of all ten individuals on board. The plane, a Yakovlev Yak-40, encountered issues shortly after lifting off the runway. Eyewitness reports indicated difficulties in gaining altitude which ultimately resulted in the aircraft crashing near the airport. Investigations later suggested mechanical failure as a potential cause of the accident.
Continue Reading