July 14: The Storming of the Bastille — A Spark That Ignited a Revolution

On July 14, 1789, angry citizens of Paris stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison that had come to symbolize the absolute power of the monarchy. This bold uprising marked a turning point in the French Revolution.

Why It’s Remembered

• Signaled the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the people’s power.
• Sparked a nationwide revolution that transformed France into a republic.
• Gave birth to the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity — values that inspired global movements for justice and democracy.

A Lasting Legacy

Bastille Day is now celebrated every year in France as National Day, commemorating the moment when common people stood up for their rights and changed the course of history.

“The storming of the Bastille wasn’t just the fall of a prison — it was the rise of a people.”