"Storming of the Bastille"
We often say that " History Repeats Itself", and the image above depicting the events on July 14, 1789, is no exception.
Analyze the events that took place in the image above and use the following to guide your answers:
What political, social, and economic issues led to this event?
Prior to this event, what kind of government existed in France, and in what way did it abuse its power?
How did the Enlightenment ideas lead to this event? Give an example of one thinker and describe how this could have influenced an event like this.
Describe another event that is very much related to " History Repeats Itself", and may have been before this event occurred or after.
write one paragraph in your own words
The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was a pivotal event in the French Revolution, fueled by a culmination of political, social, and economic issues. The tyranny of the absolute monarchy, under King Louis XVI, and the oppressive social hierarchy led to widespread discontent among the people of France. Additionally, economic hardships, including high taxes and food shortages, exacerbated the situation and fueled the people's desire for change.
The government in France prior to this event was an absolute monarchy, where the king held all the power and made decisions unilaterally. This system abused its power by imposing heavy taxes on the common people, while the nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges and exemptions. The Estates-General, which was the advisory body to the king, was heavily weighted in favor of the first and second estates (nobility and clergy), further marginalizing the third estate (commoners).
Enlightenment ideas, such as the pursuit of liberty, equality, and fraternity, played a significant role in inspiring the people to rise up against the oppressive monarchy. Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the social contract between the government and the people, highlighting the people's right to rebel against a government that fails to protect their rights. The Enlightenment ideas of individual rights and government accountability laid the intellectual foundation for the revolutionary ideals that fueled the storming of the Bastille.
Another event that is related to the concept of "History Repeats Itself" is the American Revolution, which occurred prior to the French Revolution. Both revolutions were fueled by similar ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy, and both led to the overthrow of oppressive governments. The American Revolution, with its Declaration of Independence and fight for freedom from British rule, served as a model for the French Revolution and inspired revolutionaries around the world to challenge unjust regimes.
In conclusion, the storming of the Bastille was a turning point in French history, symbolizing the beginning of the end for the absolute monarchy and paving the way for a new era of democracy and social equality. It exemplifies how historical events are often interconnected and influenced by a complex web of political, social, and intellectual factors.