The French Revolution (1789, France)
The French Revolution (1789, France) — an illustrated history story, featuring Rami, Tao, Daria, set in France. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder History.
Page 1
"We are in Paris, 1789," Marco said, pointing to a faded map of the city. The map detailed the various districts and key landmarks of pre-revolution Paris, with annotations in elegant cursive. He traced a finger along the route to the Bastille, wondering what life was like then. The air in the room felt charged with anticipation, like the calm before a storm.
Page 2
"Bread prices are soaring again, Farah," Isla sighed, adjusting her shawl at the crowded marketplace. Farah, eyes wide, stared at the meager loaves on display. "Papa says, 'Let them eat cake,' but that's just a rumour, right?" she asked, pulling at Isla's sleeve. Around them, vendors hawked their wares, and the air buzzed with anxious chatter about the King's extravagance.
Page 3
Luka, a veteran of the King's army, leaned closer, his voice low. "It's more than just rumors, Farah. The King lives in luxury while his people starve." He pointed to the opulent Palace of Versailles in the distance, a golden shimmer on the horizon. "As Edmund Burke said, 'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.' We cannot stand idly by."
Page 4
That evening, at a small gathering, Isla revealed a tattered pamphlet. "I found this hidden in the marketplace. It speaks of liberty, equality, and fraternity." Luka frowned, examining the crude print. "Such ideas are dangerous. The King will see this as treason."
Page 5
Farah, perched on a stool, piped up, "But what does it mean, 'liberty'?" Isla smiled gently. "It means freedom, little one. Freedom from the King's unjust laws. Freedom to speak our minds."
Page 6
Luka sighed. "I saw a map like this once in the King's library, when I served as a guard. It showed all the secret passages in the Bastille." Farah's eyes widened. "The Bastille? The prison?"
Page 7
"The King uses it to imprison anyone who speaks against him," Isla explained gravely. "Many have disappeared within those walls, never to be seen again." Farah's face hardened with determination. "Then we must do something!"
Page 8
Days later, a mob surged towards the Bastille, chanting for freedom. Luka, remembering the map, led a small group through a secret passage. "The guards will be expecting an attack from the front. This is our chance!" He yelled over the noise.
Page 9
From a high tower, Farah watched as the revolutionaries stormed the fortress. The fighting was fierce, but the people's spirit could not be broken. She noticed the North Star shining brightly, remembering what she learned in her lessons. 'It points the way,' she thought. This day would be a turning point.
Page 10
The Bastille fell. Years of tyranny were coming to an end. The world would never be the same. "This cobblestone," Marco said, kneeling to touch a stone from the ruins of the Bastille, "still stands today, a reminder that a single moment can truly change everything."
About this story
- Historical figures: Rami, Tao, Daria
- Location: France
- Period: Early Modern
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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