History
What event of July 14, 1789 became a major symbol of the start of the French Revolution?
Correct answer The storming of the Bastille
Fact
Did you know?
The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, became one of the most powerful symbols of the French Revolution. The fortress held only a few prisoners at the time, but it represented the arbitrary authority of the monarchy and contained weapons and powder sought by the Parisians. The revolutionary crisis had begun before: the Estates General were assembled in May, the Third Estate proclaimed itself the National Assembly and the Jeu de Paume oath took place in June. The Bastille therefore marks a major popular and symbolic shift, rather than a unique and incontestable beginning of all revolutionary events.
Content last updated · August 14, 2026
