Primary Source

Taking of the Bastille

Taking of the Bastille
Color engraving of Taking of the Bastille

Annotation

This color print emphasizes the populace’s participation in the storming of the Bastille, showing the urban population fighting under a red banner with muskets, swords, and pikes against the royal soldiers. Stunning images such as these—as well as dramatic press reports—contributed to what has become the widespread view that the taking of the Bastille was a spontaneous, brave, and widely popular revolt against royal authority.

Transcription

Title in French
Prise de la Bastille

Credits

Extracted from: Gravures historiques des principaux événemens depuis l'ouverture des Etats-Généraux de 1789

How to Cite This Source

"Taking of the Bastille," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/taking-bastille [accessed March 28, 2024]