The Storming of the Bastille: Myth and Reality

In this episode of The Story of France, Lucas and Luna dive into the most iconic event of the French Revolution: the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. They explore what the Bastille really was—a medieval fortress turned prison with only seven inmates, not a dungeon of oppression—and how its fall became a symbol of liberty. Lucas explains the political context: the Estates-General, the Tennis Court Oath, and the growing tension in Paris as King Louis XVI dismissed popular minister Jacques Necker. The episode details the chaotic day: the search for weapons at the Invalides, the gathering at the Bastille, the failed negotiations with Governor Bernard-René de Launay, and the bloody assault that left around 100 attackers dead. Lucas also debunks myths—like the release of political prisoners—and discusses the aftermath: the execution of de Launay, the construction of the tricolour cockade, and the transformation of July 14 into France's national holiday. Luna asks about the key figures involved, including Camille Desmoulins and the Marquis de Lafayette. The episode ends with a reflection on how revolutionary symbols are born from messy, human events. #Bastille #FrenchRevolution #July14 #EstatesGeneral #TennisCourtOath #JacquesNecker #CamilleDesmoulins #MarquisDeLafayette #BernardReneDeLaunay #Invalides #Tricolour #NationalHoliday #Paris #LouisXVI #RevolutionarySymbols #18thCentury #History #FexingoHistory #NapoleonBonaparte #LouisXIV Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo