What happened here?
The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 became the most famous symbol of the beginning of the French Revolution. The Paris fortress no longer had great military value, but it represented royal arbitrariness and the old regime. When an angry crowd captured it, the authority of absolute monarchy was visibly collapsing. The event encouraged the revolutionary movement, led to broader social change and is still remembered in France as the moment when the people entered history.
Learn more about this event
The Storming of the Bastille by the Parisian Crowd
Paris, July 14, 1789. A crowd of thousands gathered before the massive walls of the Bastille, once a feared prison, now a symbol of royal tyranny. Tensions in the city had been rising for weeks as rumors of royal troops approaching Paris spread like wildfire. People were searching for weapons and gunpowder, and the Bastille, despite having lost its military significance, became their target.
It began as a protest but soon turned into an assault. After several hours of siege, during which several defenders and attackers fell, the gates of the Bastille were opened. The governor of the fortress, Marquis de Launay, was captured and later killed. The capture of the Bastille was not just a victory over walls but also over the symbol of absolutist power. This act showed that people could change their destiny.
The capture of the Bastille became a catalyst for the revolution. King Louis XVI lost control over Paris, and the revolutionary spirit spread throughout France. The Bastille was soon demolished, and its stones became souvenirs of the revolution. Every year, France commemorates this day as the beginning of a new era when people rose against oppression and embarked on the path to republican government.
Where it happened
Coordinates: 48.8530, 2.3699 · View larger map
FAQ
In what year did Storming of the Bastille happen?
It happened: 1789.
What was Storming of the Bastille?
The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 became the most famous symbol of the beginning of the French Revolution. The Paris fortress no longer had great military value, but it represented royal arbitrariness and the old regime. When an angry crowd captured it, the authority of absolute monarchy
Where can I try Storming of the Bastille?
On HistoryGuesser — explore a 360° scene and guess where in the world and in what year it happened.
What you'll see here
In the game you stand right at this place in a 360° panorama and guess where and when the event happened.
View in 360° →
