Lesson 7 - Storming the Bastille
Introduction
By the summer of 1789, discontent among the lower classes of Paris had risen to a breaking point. Incredibly harsh conditions persisted, and over the course of the year, riots had popped up. Reform to government was slow and ineffective. Louis XVI was fearful that the existing socio-political turmoil would result in a full-blown conflict, and consequently (in July) he ordered troops to maintain order with the aim of preventing an uprising. Ironically, this action turned out to be the spark that led some citizens to take up arms, no longer able to withstand the difficulties of their existence whilst threatened by the presence of the French soldiers. On July 14th, this group headed for the Bastille. The Bastille served as the royal armory as well as a prison. Seven prisoners were housed in the Bastille on the morning of July 14th. The storming and capture of the Bastille is generally accepted as the start of the French Revolution. The events that transpired their are of great symbolic importance to the common people of France, and is celebrated as a national holiday to this date.
Activity - Video Clip
By the summer of 1789, discontent among the lower classes of Paris had risen to a breaking point. Incredibly harsh conditions persisted, and over the course of the year, riots had popped up. Reform to government was slow and ineffective. Louis XVI was fearful that the existing socio-political turmoil would result in a full-blown conflict, and consequently (in July) he ordered troops to maintain order with the aim of preventing an uprising. Ironically, this action turned out to be the spark that led some citizens to take up arms, no longer able to withstand the difficulties of their existence whilst threatened by the presence of the French soldiers. On July 14th, this group headed for the Bastille. The Bastille served as the royal armory as well as a prison. Seven prisoners were housed in the Bastille on the morning of July 14th. The storming and capture of the Bastille is generally accepted as the start of the French Revolution. The events that transpired their are of great symbolic importance to the common people of France, and is celebrated as a national holiday to this date.
Activity - Video Clip
- View the following video. Note that this clip is not 100% historically accurate. However, on a piece of paper, jot down a few ideas as you are watching and answer the following question.
- Does the music that the producer selected fit the video clip?
- What are the citizens "not going to take"?
- Does the music that the producer selected fit the video clip?
Activity - The Fall of the Bastille
- Draw a trading card and find other members of the class that have the same character as you.
- Read the handout on the fall of the Bastille.
- Answer your assigned question and prepare to conduct a mini presentation on your results.
- During the other presentations in class, answer the remaining questions.