On the morning of 14 July 1789, the city of Paris was in a state of alarm. The king had commanded troops to move into the city. Rumours spread that he would soon order the army to open fire upon the citizens. Some 7,000 men and women gathered in front of the town hall and decided to form a people’s militia. They broke into a number of government buildings in search of arms. Finally, a group of several hundred people marched towards the eastern part of the city and stormed the fortress-prison, the Bastille, where they hoped to find hoarded ammunition. In the armed fight that followed, the commander of the Bastille was killed and the prisoners were released.

The Fall of the Bastille. On July 14, 1789, a Parisian mob broke down the gates of the ancient fortress known as the Bastille, marking a flashpoint at the beginning of the French Revolution

The Fall of Bastille

The fall of Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked a significant event in the French Revolution. It was a pivotal moment that symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era of popular sovereignty. Here, we will discuss the events leading up to the fall, the significance of the event, and its impact on the course of the revolution.

Background:
Before the fall of Bastille, France was undergoing a period of economic crisis, social inequality, and political unrest. King Louis XVI's reign was plagued by financial mismanagement and a growing discontent among the French population. The Estates-General, a representative body, was convened in May 1789 to address these issues, but the Third Estate (representing the commoners) felt marginalized and demanded equal representation.

Events Leading Up to the Fall:
1. Formation of the National Assembly: On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, asserting their authority to make decisions for the nation.
2. Storming of the Bastille: The Bastille, a fortress-prison in Paris, represented royal authority and was seen as a symbol of tyranny. On July 14, a crowd gathered outside the Bastille demanding the release of political prisoners and the surrender of weapons stored within.
3. Governor's Refusal: The Governor of Bastille, Marquis de Launay, initially refused to surrender. This further fueled the anger of the crowd.
4. Assault on the Bastille: The mob, armed with makeshift weapons, attacked the fortress. After hours of intense fighting and with the assistance of mutinous soldiers, the Bastille's defenses were breached, and the governor surrendered.

Significance of the Event:
1. Symbol of Popular Revolution: The fall of Bastille demonstrated the power of the people and their ability to challenge and overthrow oppressive regimes.
2. Sparking the Revolution: The event inspired uprisings across France, as it symbolized the beginning of the revolution and the fight against tyranny.
3. Formation of the National Guard: Following the fall of Bastille, the National Guard, a citizen militia, was formed to maintain order and protect the revolution.
4. Abolition of Feudalism: The National Assembly abolished feudalism, marking an important step towards social equality and the redistribution of power.

Impact on the Revolution:
1. Radicalization of the Revolution: The fall of Bastille led to a radicalization of the revolution, with more radical factions gaining influence and pushing for more significant changes.
2. Reign of Terror: The fall of Bastille set in motion a series of events that eventually led to the Reign of Terror, a period of intense violence and political repression.
3. Influence on Other Revolutions: The fall of Bastille served as an inspiration for other revolutions around the world, including the Haitian Revolution and the Latin American independence movements.

In conclusion, the fall of Bastille was a momentous event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. It symbolized the power of the people, inspired further uprisings, and led to significant social and political changes in France. Its impact reverberated far beyond France, influencing other revolutionary movements around the world.