The Storming of the Bastille (1789) - France
The Storming of the Bastille (1789) - France — a history story, from Early Modern, set in France, featuring King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Jacques Necker. Topics: revolutions rebellions, france, early modern 1500 1800, the early modern period. 10 illustrated pages, narrated, free to read on Wonde
Page 1
July 14, 1789. Over 900 Parisians, fueled by hunger and rage, surrounded the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. King Louis XVI, the indecisive monarch; Marie Antoinette, the queen perceived as out of touch; Jacques Necker, the dismissed finance minister whose recall was demanded; and Marquis de Lafayette, the nobleman sympathetic to the revolution — their actions had ignited this powder keg.
"Amidst the chaos, a voice cried out, "For freedom! For bread!""
Historical Fact: The Bastille held only seven prisoners at the time of the storming, but it was a symbol of royal authority.
Page 2
Years of extravagance at the Palace of Versailles had drained the French treasury. King Louis XVI, burdened by debt and a series of poor harvests, struggled to maintain control. Marie Antoinette, criticized for her lavish lifestyle and Austrian heritage, became a symbol of royal excess.
"Marie Antoinette, adorned in silk and jewels, remarked, "Let them eat cake," a phrase often attributed to her, though its origin remains debated. "The people are so dramatic, Louis.""
Historical Fact: France's national debt in 1789 was approximately 4 to 5 billion livres.
Page 3
Jacques Necker, the popular finance minister, attempted to reform the French financial system. His dismissal by Louis XVI on July 11, 1789, sparked outrage in Paris. Parisians viewed Necker, who advocated taxing the nobility, as a protector of the common people.
"Jacques Necker lamented to his daughter, Madame de Staël, as he packed his belongings, "I sought only to ease the burden on the people, but the court resists all change.""
Historical Fact: Jacques Necker was Swiss-born and served as France's Director-General of Finances.
Page 4
News of Necker's dismissal spread like wildfire through Paris. Camille Desmoulins, a young lawyer and journalist, rallied the crowds at the Palais Royal. He urged Parisians to arm themselves and defend their city.
"Camille Desmoulins, standing on a table, shouted, "Citizens, the dismissal of Necker is a signal for a St. Bartholomew's Massacre! To arms!""
Historical Fact: The Palais Royal was a popular meeting place for Parisians.
Page 5
Desperate for weapons, Parisians stormed the Hôtel des Invalides, a military hospital and storehouse. They seized muskets and cannons, but lacked gunpowder. The hunt for gunpowder would lead them to the Bastille.
"A Parisian militiaman, loading a musket, declared, "We need powder! Without it, these guns are useless!""
Historical Fact: The Hôtel des Invalides was founded by Louis XIV to house wounded veterans.
Page 6
Governor Bernard-René de Launay, commander of the Bastille, prepared to defend the fortress. He commanded a small garrison of soldiers and Swiss Guards. De Launay hoped to prevent the mob from seizing the gunpowder stored within.
"Governor de Launay, pacing the ramparts, said to his lieutenant, "Hold the line! We must prevent them from reaching the powder magazine.""
Historical Fact: Bernard-René de Launay was later killed by the mob after the Bastille fell.
Page 7
Initially, the crowd sought only gunpowder and ammunition. Representatives attempted to negotiate with Governor de Launay, but talks broke down. Frustration mounted, and the first shots were fired.
"One of the negotiators, Pierre-Augustin Hulin, pleaded with de Launay, "Open the gates! Give us the gunpowder, and bloodshed can be avoided.""
Historical Fact: Pierre-Augustin Hulin later commanded the Parisian National Guard.
Page 8
The Parisians, now joined by mutinous soldiers and members of the National Guard, stormed the Bastille. They dragged cannons from the Invalides and bombarded the fortress walls. Fierce fighting raged for hours.
"Marquis de Lafayette, observing the battle, recalled later, "'A revolution is not a dinner party,' as someone said. This is a bloody struggle for liberty.""
Historical Fact: The storming of the Bastille lasted approximately four hours.
Page 9
Faced with overwhelming odds, Governor de Launay surrendered. The gates of the Bastille were opened, and the triumphant Parisians poured into the fortress. The symbol of royal tyranny had fallen.
"A young Parisian woman, witnessing the surrender, exclaimed, "We did it! The Bastille is ours!""
Historical Fact: The keys to the Bastille were later sent to George Washington as a symbol of the French Revolution.
Page 10
The storming of the Bastille marked a turning point in the French Revolution. It sparked further uprisings and ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread throughout France and Europe, shaping modern political thought.
"Even years later, the echo of the storming of the Bastille remained a constant reminder of freedom for the people of France."
Historical Fact: Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14th in France.
About this story
- Historical figures: King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Jacques Necker
- Location: France
- Period: Early Modern
- Audience: general readers
- Format: 10 illustrated pages, narrated, free to read on Wonder History
Questions and answers
Questions and answers about The Storming of the Bastille (1789) - France
Read Wonder History on your phone
Wonder History is available on Android and iPhone and iPad. Get Wonder History on Google Play · Get Wonder History on the App Store.