historical factors
- There was not just one single event that leads to the French revolution, the path unfolded over decades.
- In 1798, in France that was the storming of the Bastille.
- Bastille was a prison in Paris where the king locked up anyone who spoke against him. So on July 14th, 600 angry Parisians successfully attacked the Bastille. This event is usually considered the beginning of the French revolution.
- July 14th is a national holiday in France.
- Due to this event, many other French people were inspired to take up arms against the king.
- This event came to great symbolic importance for France.
- It became an important part of France's national myth because for centuries afterwards, the event continued to inspire people that a minor action of ordinary citizens can start a chain of evens that lead to a greater cause.
- The French consider this as a defining moment in their history as a nation.