"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.
2) Prior to this event, what kind of government existed in France and in what was did it abuse their power?
3) How did Enlightenment ideas lead to this event? Give an example of one thinker and describe how this could have influenced an event like this.
4) Describe another event that is very much related to "History Repeats Itself," and may have been before this event occurred or after.
2) Before the Storming of the Bastille, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under King Louis XVI. The monarchy held all the power and was seen as oppressive by many of the French people. The government abused its power through heavy taxation, corruption, and disregard for the needs and rights of the common people.
3) Enlightenment ideas played a significant role in leading to the Storming of the Bastille. One example of an Enlightenment thinker whose ideas influenced this event is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau's belief in the social contract and the idea that government should serve the will of the people rather than the other way around inspired many French citizens to demand change and stand up against the oppressive monarchy.
4) Another event that is related to the idea of "History Repeats Itself" is the Russian Revolution of 1917. Like the Storming of the Bastille, this revolution was sparked by the dissatisfaction of the people with the ruling government. The Russian Revolution also aimed to overthrow a monarchy and establish a more fair and just system of government, similar to the goals of the French Revolution.