38 Facts About Storming Of The Bastille

The Prelude to the Storming

Before diving into the storming itself, understanding the context helps. The Bastille, a fortress-prison in Paris, symbolized royal tyranny. Its fall marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

1. The Bastille was originally built in the 14th century to defend Paris against the English during the Hundred Years' War.
2. By the late 18th century, it had become a state prison used by the kings of France to detain political prisoners without trial.
3. King Louis XVI's financial crisis and the Estates-General's failure to resolve it fueled public unrest.
4. The Third Estate, representing commoners, broke away to form the National Assembly, demanding a constitution.
5. Rumors of the king planning a military coup against the National Assembly spread, heightening tensions.

The Day of the Storming

July 14, 1789, became a pivotal day in French history. The storming of the Bastille wasn't just a physical attack but a symbolic blow against oppression.

6. On the morning of July 14, Parisians, fearing an attack by royal troops, stormed the Hôtel des Invalides to gather weapons.
7. They seized 28,000 muskets and a few cannons but found no gunpowder.
8. The crowd then marched to the Bastille, believing it held gunpowder and ammunition.
9. The fortress was guarded by 82 invalides (veteran soldiers) and 32 Swiss mercenaries.
10. The governor of the Bastille, Bernard-René de Launay, tried to negotiate with the crowd but failed.

The Siege and Aftermath

The siege itself was chaotic and bloody. The aftermath had far-reaching consequences for France and beyond.

11. The attackers used makeshift bridges to cross the moat surrounding the Bastille.
12. After hours of fighting, de Launay surrendered the fortress in the late afternoon.
13. The crowd freed seven prisoners, though none were political prisoners.
14. De Launay was captured and later killed by the mob; his head was paraded on a pike.
15. The fall of the Bastille was a turning point, leading to widespread uprisings across France.

Symbolism and Legacy

The storming of the Bastille became a powerful symbol of the French Revolution and continues to be celebrated today.

16. The Bastille's fall symbolized the end of the king's absolute power and the birth of the people's sovereignty.
17. July 14th is celebrated annually as Bastille Day, France's national day.
18. The storming inspired revolutionary movements worldwide, including the Haitian Revolution.
19. The Bastille's destruction began almost immediately after its capture, with Parisians dismantling it brick by brick.
20. Some of the Bastille's stones were used to build the Pont de la Concorde bridge in Paris.

The People Involved

Understanding the key figures involved in the storming provides insight into the event's complexity.

21. Camille Desmoulins, a journalist and politician, played a crucial role in inciting the crowd to take up arms.
22. Jacques Necker, the finance minister, was dismissed by King Louis XVI just days before the storming, sparking further outrage.
23. The Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution, was appointed commander of the National Guard shortly after the storming.
24. Jean-Sylvain Bailly, an astronomer, became the first mayor of Paris following the storming.
25. King Louis XVI, upon hearing of the Bastille's fall, reportedly asked, "Is it a revolt?" and was told, "No, Sire, it is a revolution."

The Broader Impact

The storming of the Bastille had a ripple effect, influencing various aspects of society and politics.

26. The event led to the abolition of feudal privileges and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
27. The French Revolution inspired the rise of modern democracies and the spread of Enlightenment ideals.
28. The storming marked the beginning of the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence and political purges.
29. The National Assembly used the storming to justify radical reforms, including the nationalization of church property.
30. The event also led to the rise of influential revolutionary figures like Maximilien Robespierre and Georges Danton.

Cultural Representations

The storming of the Bastille has been immortalized in various forms of art and literature.

31. The event is depicted in numerous paintings, including Jean-Pierre Houël's "The Storming of the Bastille."
32. Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables" references the storming as a pivotal moment in French history.
33. The storming has been featured in films, such as the 1989 movie "La Révolution française."
34. The Bastille Opera House in Paris, inaugurated in 1989, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the storming.
35. The Place de la Bastille, where the fortress once stood, is now a bustling square with a July Column commemorating the Revolution.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Some facts about the storming of the Bastille are surprising and add depth to the historical narrative.

36. The Bastille held only seven prisoners at the time of its storming, including four forgers, two "lunatics," and a nobleman accused of incest.
37. The fortress had been scheduled for demolition before the storming, as it was considered outdated.
38. The key to the Bastille was given to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette and is displayed at Mount Vernon.

The Legacy of the Bastille

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked a turning point in French history. This event didn't just symbolize the end of oppressive rule but also ignited the flames of the French Revolution. The Bastille, once a fortress and prison, became a powerful symbol of freedom and the fight against tyranny.

The courage of the revolutionaries who stormed the Bastille inspired future generations to stand up for their rights. Today, Bastille Day is celebrated not just in France but around the world, reminding us of the importance of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Understanding the facts about this historic event helps us appreciate the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. The legacy of the Bastille continues to remind us that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and every action counts in shaping a better future.