How the French Revolution Started - Storming the Bastille - July 14th, 1789

Explore the pivotal events of July 14th, 1789, in this 30-minute video lecture presented by Professor Suzanne Desan. Delve into the significance of the Bastille as a symbol of despotism and political corruption, and discover how it became the focal point of the French Revolution. Examine the prison's notorious history, including tales of the Man in the Iron Mask and infamous inmates like Jean Henri Latude and the Marquis de Sade. Analyze the political and social climate of 1789, exploring the interplay of hope, hunger, and fear that led to the storming of the Bastille. Investigate the role of key figures such as Jacques Necker and trace the sequence of events that culminated in the fall of this infamous fortress. Evaluate the revolution's broader impact, including the rise of the middle class and the transformation of Louis XVI's image. Gain insights into how the storming of the Bastille became a powerful symbol that legitimized revolutions worldwide.