The Significance of the Storming of the Bastille Fortress.

Authors Avatar

The Significance of the Storming of the Bastille Fortress 

By Eddie Ho

24 November 2003

CHY4U1-14

Mr. J. Patsalides


The Significance of the Storming of the Bastille Fortress by Eddie Ho

Before the revolution, the Bastille was a symbol of power, a symbol of terror, the symbol that represents the absolute rule of the monarchy of King Louis XVI. It prevented what the people wanted: liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Bastille served as a ground for imprisoning prisoners that were never to be seen again. However, things changed on July 14, 1789 when the Bastille was stormed by the peasantry. The once powerful fortress of the Bastille was overrun by protesters within a few hours. The rule and control of the absolute king was weakened. The revolution followed, and the king was overthrown. It was because of the fall of the Bastille were the peasants able to realise that they can make changes to the country. The collapse of the powerful symbol that represented the absolute state showed that the king’s power and control can be defeated.  Its significance showed the people of France that they can attain their desires, and that they can no longer be controlled, and that they can govern themselves without the rule of absolutism. It was the ability of the people to attain their desires that fuelled the Revolution and its world-changing effects.

Join now!

On the eve of the revolution, the Bastille was the symbol of oppression among average working class citizens. Originally, the Bastille was built in the 1370s to form part of the fortification on the eastern side of the city. However, during the 17th and 18th centuries of absolute rule, the Bastille was converted and used to house political prisoners. Citizens of every class may be arrested by secret warrants known as lettres-de-cachet. Those arrested were indefinitely imprisoned in Bastille without accusation or trial, and many who were arrested never came back again. With the fortress rising high above the workers’ residences ...

This is a preview of the whole essay