The Storming of the Bastille was a pivotal event that took place on July 14, 1789, in Paris, France, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. Here are detailed facts and context regarding this historic event:
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Background: The Bastille was originally built as a fortress in the 14th century to protect Paris from English attacks during the Hundred Years' War. By the late 18th century, it had become a symbol of royal tyranny and the abuses of the Ancien Régime.
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Reasons for the Storming:
- The Bastille held political prisoners, although by 1789, it was largely used to store weapons rather than prisoners.
- The financial crisis, food shortages, and political unrest in France had led to widespread discontent among the population.
- The dismissal of Jacques Necker, the finance minister, on July 11, 1789, by King Louis XVI was seen as a sign that the monarchy was unwilling to reform.
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The Event:
- On July 14, 1789, Parisians, fearing that the royal troops would massacre the city's inhabitants, armed themselves and decided to seize the Bastille for its weapons and gunpowder.
- About 1,000 insurgents attacked the fortress, which was defended by 82 soldiers (32 Swiss Guards and 50 Invalides) under the command of Governor Bernard-René de Launay.
- After initial negotiations failed, the mob stormed the fortress. Around 1:30 pm, the Bastille surrendered after the crowd breached its defenses.
- The governor, Launay, was captured and subsequently killed by the crowd, his head paraded on a pike through the streets.
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Aftermath:
- The storming of the Bastille symbolized the end of the monarchy's absolute power and the beginning of popular sovereignty.
- The event led to the formation of the National Assembly, which would later become the National Convention, leading to significant reforms and the eventual execution of King Louis XVI.
- The Bastille itself was demolished and its stones were used to build a bridge, the Pont de la Concorde.
- July 14 became known as Bastille Day, a national holiday in France celebrating the Republic and the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
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