Storming of the Bastille

Quick Facts: Who was Storming of the Bastille?

Subject:

Storming of the Bastille

Known for:

The pivotal 14 July 1789 event that ignited the French Revolution.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Storming of the Bastille (French: Prise de la Bastille [pʁiz də la bastij]), also known as Fall of the Bastille, which occurred in Paris, France, on 14 July 1789, was an act of political violence by revolutionary insurgents who attempted to storm and seize control of the medieval armoury, fortress, and political prison known as the Bastille. After four hours of fighting and 94 deaths, the insurgents were able to enter the Bastille. The governor of the Bastille, Bernard-René Jourdan de Launay, and several members of the Garrison were killed after surrendering. At the time, the Bastille represented royal authority in the centre of Paris. The prison contained only seven inmates at the time of its storming and was already scheduled for demolition but was seen by the revolutionaries as a symbol of the monarchy's abuse of power.

Career & Major Achievements

Its fall was the flashpoint of the French Revolution. In France, 14 July is a national holiday called Fête nationale française which commemorates both the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the Fête de la Fédération which occurred on its first anniversary in 1790. In English this holiday is commonly referred to as Bastille Day. During the reign of Louis XVI, France faced a major economic crisis caused in part by the cost of intervening in the American Revolution and exacerbated by regressive taxes as well as poor harvests in the late 1780s. Furthermore, Finance Minister Calonne, Louis XVI's replacement for Jacques Necker, thought that lavish spending would secure loans by presenting the monarchy as wealthy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This only added to Louis' financial woes. On 5 May 1789, the Estates General convened to deal with the issue but were held back by archaic protocols and the conservatism of the Second Estate, representing the nobility, which made up less than 2% of France's population. On 17 June the Third Estate, with its representatives drawn from the commoners, reconstituted itself as the National Assembly, a body whose purpose was the creation of a French constitution. The king initially opposed that development but was forced to acknowledge the authority of the assembly, which renamed itself the National Constituent Assembly on 9 July. Paris, close to insurrection and, in François Mignet's words, "intoxicated with liberty and enthusiasm", showed wide support for the Assembly.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1789: 1789 Milestone — The Storming of the Bastille (French: Prise de la Bastille [pʁiz də la bastij]), also known as Fall of the Bastille, which occurred in Paris, France, on 14 July 1789, was an act of political violence by revolutionary insurgents who attempted to storm and seize control of the medieval armoury, fortress, and political prison known as the Bastille.
2. 1790: 1790 Milestone — In France, 14 July is a national holiday called Fête nationale française which commemorates both the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the Fête de la Fédération which occurred on its first anniversary in 1790.

Notable Quotes by Storming of the Bastille

“Citizens, there is no time to lose; the dismissal of Necker is the knell of Saint Bartholomew for patriots! This very night all the Swiss and German battalions will leave the Champ de Mars to massacre us all; one resource is left; to take arms!” (1789)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Storming of the Bastille

True or False: “The Bastille was primarily a high-security political prison holding numerous revolutionary leaders.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): At the time of its storming, the Bastille contained only seven inmates, despite its reputation as a symbol of royal power.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Arabanoo — Historical peer (Died in 1789) (1789): Eora man forcibly taken by British colonists, becoming a key figure in early interactions.
• Augustin-Louis Cauchy — Historical peer (Born in 1789) (1789): Pioneered real and complex analysis, fundamentally shaping modern mathematics.
• Adam Smith — Historical peer (Died in 1790) (1790): Scottish philosopher and economist, considered the father of modern capitalism.
• Alphonse de Lamartine — Historical peer (Born in 1790) (1790): French poet, author, and statesman whose career spanned revolutionary fervor and republican ideals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Storming of the Bastille