These delegates later became the leaders of the French Revolution. The Tennis Court Oath was a result of the growing discontent of the Third Estate, and was one of the events that led up to the Fall of the Bastille in July 1789. A major catalyst in the French Revolution was the Fall of the Bastille, a prison in France.

The Fall of Bastille

The fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was a crucial event during the French Revolution. It marked a turning point in the revolt against the monarchy and symbolized the beginning of the French people's fight for freedom and equality. Here is a detailed account of the event:

The Background:
- In France, the economic crisis and widespread poverty fueled discontent among the common people.
- The monarchy, led by King Louis XVI, was facing severe financial difficulties and attempted to impose new taxes on the already burdened population.
- The Estates-General, a representative assembly, was convened in May 1789 to address the financial crisis and propose reforms.

Tensions Rise:
- The Third Estate, representing the majority of the population, demanded more representation and voting power.
- Frustrated with the lack of progress, the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly on June 17, 1789.
- The King responded by closing their meeting hall, leading to further outrage among the people.

The Fall of Bastille:
- On July 14, 1789, a large crowd gathered outside the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris.
- The people were motivated by a shortage of food, political grievances, and rumors that the King planned to use military force against the National Assembly.
- The crowd demanded the surrender of the Bastille and its ammunition, viewing it as a symbol of royal authority.
- The commander of the Bastille initially refused, escalating tensions and prompting the crowd to storm the fortress.
- The attackers faced heavy resistance from the defenders and suffered casualties, but eventually managed to gain control of the outer courtyard.
- The governor of the Bastille, fearing further bloodshed, surrendered the fortress.
- The fall of the Bastille marked a significant victory for the people and symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy's authority.

Impact and Significance:
- The fall of the Bastille became a powerful symbol of the people's uprising against oppression and sparked a wave of revolution across France.
- It led to the formation of the French National Guard, a citizen militia that pledged allegiance to the revolution.
- The event also inspired other countries to pursue their own revolutions and fight for freedom and equality.
- The French Revolution brought about significant political, social, and economic changes, ultimately leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of the French Republic.

The fall of the Bastille was a pivotal moment in history, representing the collective will of the people to challenge the existing power structures and fight for their rights and liberties. It continues to be commemorated as a symbol of the struggle for democracy and human rights.

What ked to the French revolution