Bastille

A prison stormed leading to significant changes in societal structures.

The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, originally built as a defense against the English during the Hundred Years' War. By the late 17th century, it had become a state prison used by the kings of France. The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 marked a significant event in the early stages of the French Revolution, symbolizing the uprising against the monarchy and the demand for individual liberties. Its fall contributed to the decline of royal authority and helped ignite widespread revolutionary fervor across France.

The Bastille, originally constructed in 1370 as a fortress to protect the eastern approach into Paris, became a state prison by the 17th century. Situated in the Saint-Antoine district, the Bastille was emblematic of royal tyranny due to the arbitrary detention of prisoners. Political prisoners, many detained by lettres de cachet (royal warrants issued by the king), often inhabited its cells, with Romuald de Sévigné and the infamous "Man in the Iron Mask" counted among its inmates.

On 14 July 1789, the Bastille fell, marking a crucial turning point during the early days of the French Revolution. Crowds of Parisians, spurred by the increasing shortages of bread and the King's deployment of troops around the city, gathered around the fortress in defiance. Initially seeking arms and gunpowder, the insurgents' numbers swelled to about 1,000 citizens. The tension between the Parisians and the garrison led to a violent confrontation.

Governor Bernard-René de Launay, who commanded the Bastille, attempted to negotiate and avoid bloodshed. However, misunderstandings and escalating violence resulted in a brutal clash. The fortress's defenders, numbering around 100 soldiers (about 85 invalides and 30 Swiss guards), were outmatched by the crowd. Following several hours of conflict, the insurgents captured the Bastille and freed the few remaining prisoners (seven in total), symbolizing the end of oppressive monarchical might.

The fall of the Bastille had immediate and far-reaching repercussions. This event not only symbolized the dissolution of absolutism but also galvanized revolutionary fervor across France. The National Assembly, convened earlier in June 1789, found renewed legitimacy in its efforts. King Louis XVI (initially underestimating the significance of the storming) faced the reality of a populace empowered by newfound unity and resistance.

In subsequent years, the Bastille's physical and symbolic presence continued to influence revolutionary activities. The structure was systematically demolished, with its materials distributed as souvenirs and used in the construction of the Pont de la Concorde. The Bastille's remnants (including key parts and artifacts) came to represent the triumph of liberty over despotism. The 14th of July became a celebrated national holiday (Bastille Day), commemorating not just the event but the broader revolutionary ideals that shaped modern France.

Did you know?

The Bastille was originally built in the 14th century as a fortress to defend Paris against the English during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453).
On 14 July 1789, the storming of the Bastille marked a pivotal turning point in the French Revolution, symbolizing the uprising against tyranny and oppression.
At the time of its storming, the Bastille was used as a state prison and held only seven prisoners—this was far fewer than its capacity of 100 prisoners.
The fall of the Bastille became a national holiday in France, known as Bastille Day, and is celebrated every year with fireworks and parades on 14 July.
The Bastille's guard, Bernard-René de Launay, was killed during the storming, and his head was famously displayed on a pike as a symbol of the people's revolt.
Interestingly, while the Bastille is often seen as a symbol of royal tyranny, it was also a military stronghold, and gunpowder stored there was a significant target for revolutionaries.