Today in History

July 14, 1789

The Storming of the Bastille

France was on the verge of revolution. The citizenry had become increasingly demanding of King Louis XVI. The Bastille contained only seven prisoners, but it held a great symbolic value. Not only did the fortress hold a great store of weaponry and gunpowder, but it had for centuries been the prison for those who disagreed with royalty. The demonstrators had earlier raided the Hôtel des Invalides, removing its armory of muskets and weapons. The garrison was defended by 82 invalides - older soldiers too infirm for field duty. The Bastille fell after a brief skirmish, its commander killed and beheaded.

The insurrection spread, and French royalty began to flee the country. The end for King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, was near.

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