Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon Season 1 Episode 7 July 14th: Storming the Bastille

Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon season 1 episode 7, titled "July 14th: Storming the Bastille," recounts one of the most significant events in French history. The episode takes us back to July 14th, 1789, when Parisian crowds stormed the Bastille, a fortress that was used as a state prison.

The episode begins by providing a context to the events leading up to the storming of the Bastille. It highlights the political and economic turmoil that gripped France at the time, with the country facing severe financial problems and a food shortage. It also delves into the social inequality that existed, where the clergy and nobles enjoyed privileges while the commoners suffered.

The episode then focuses on the events of July 14th, starting with the gathering of a mob outside the Bastille. It highlights the key individuals involved in the storming, including the French revolutionary Camille Desmoulins, who is said to have incited the mob with a fiery speech, and Marquis de Lafayette, who played a key role in calming down the situation.

The episode depicts the violence and chaos that ensued during the storming of the Bastille, with the mob overpowering the guards and releasing the prisoners. It also highlights the role of the governor of the Bastille, Bernard-René de Launay, who initially refused to surrender the fortress and eventually lost his life in the ensuing violence.

As the episode progresses, it explores the significance of the storming of the Bastille in French history. It explains how this event marked the beginning of the French Revolution, with the people rising up against the oppressive feudal system and demanding social, political, and economic reforms. The episode also highlights the symbolic significance of the Bastille, which represented the tyranny of the monarchy and the corrupt system that existed at the time.

Throughout the episode, we hear from historians and experts who provide insights and analysis on the events of July 14th. They explain the significance of the storming of the Bastille not just for France but for the world as a whole, as it represented a turning point in the struggle for democracy and human rights.

Overall, Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon season 1 episode 7 is a compelling and informative portrayal of one of the most significant events in French history. It offers a detailed and nuanced account of the storming of the Bastille, exploring the political, social, and economic context of the time and highlighting the key figures and ideas that shaped this pivotal moment in history.