Bastille

Bastille
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Name	Bastille
Location	Paris, France
Opened	1370
Closed	1789

Bastille. The Bastille was a fortress-prison located in Paris, France, and was a symbol of the French monarchy and the Ancien Régime. It was built in the 14th century during the reign of Charles V of France and was initially used to defend the city from the English during the Hundred Years' War. The Bastille was also used as a prison, holding notable inmates such as Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and the Marquis de Sade, who was imprisoned by order of King Louis XV.

History of the Bastille

The history of the Bastille dates back to 1370, when it was built as a fortress to protect the city of Paris from the English during the Hundred Years' War. The Bastille was designed by Hugh Aubriot, the Provost of Merchants of Paris, and was constructed using stone from the Quarries of Château-Landon. Over the centuries, the Bastille was used as a prison, holding inmates such as Cardinal de Retz, who was imprisoned by order of King Louis XIV, and Nicolas Fouquet, who was imprisoned by order of King Louis XIV after being accused of embezzlement. The Bastille was also used to hold Huguenots during the Wars of Religion, and was a symbol of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church.

Architecture and Layout

The Bastille was a large fortress-prison, with eight towers and a moat surrounding the complex. The architecture of the Bastille was designed to be imposing and intimidating, with thick stone walls and narrow windows. The layout of the Bastille included a large courtyard, where prisoners could exercise and receive visitors, as well as a chapel and a hospital. The Bastille was also equipped with a system of torture devices, including the rack and the iron maiden, which were used to extract confessions from prisoners. Notable architects such as François Mansart and Louis Le Vau worked on the design of the Bastille, which was influenced by the architecture of other French fortresses, such as the Château de Vincennes.

Storming of the Bastille

The Storming of the Bastille took place on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution. A mob of Parisians, led by Camille Desmoulins and Georges Danton, stormed the Bastille, releasing only seven prisoners, including de Launay and de Charny. The Storming of the Bastille was a pivotal event in the French Revolution, marking the beginning of the end of the French monarchy and the Ancien Régime. The event was celebrated by Maximilien Robespierre and other Jacobins, who saw it as a symbol of the power of the people. The Storming of the Bastille was also influenced by the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the Enlightenment, which emphasized the importance of liberty and democracy.

Prisoners and Conditions

The Bastille held a wide range of prisoners, including aristocrats, clergy, and commoners. Prisoners were held in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Notable prisoners included Voltaire, who was imprisoned for his writings, and the Marquis de Sade, who was imprisoned for his pornographic writings. Prisoners were also subjected to torture and other forms of mistreatment, including the use of the iron mask, which was used to punish prisoners who attempted to escape. The conditions in the Bastille were criticized by philosophers such as John Locke and Montesquieu, who argued that the treatment of prisoners was cruel and unjust.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Bastille has had a significant legacy and cultural impact, symbolizing the French Revolution and the struggle for liberty and democracy. The Bastille has been commemorated in numerous works of art, including paintings by Jacques-Louis David and François Rude, and literary works by Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. The Bastille has also been the subject of numerous films and documentaries, including The French Revolution and Danton. The legacy of the Bastille has been celebrated by historians such as Albert Mathiez and Georges Lefebvre, who have argued that the French Revolution was a pivotal event in world history.

Modern-Day Commemoration

Today, the site of the Bastille is commemorated by the Bastille Square, which features a large column and a fountain. The Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 every year, marking the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. The commemoration is marked by parades, fireworks, and other celebrations, and is attended by dignitaries such as the President of France and the Mayor of Paris. The commemoration is also marked by re-enactments of the Storming of the Bastille, which are performed by historical re-enactors and actors. The modern-day commemoration of the Bastille is also influenced by the ideas of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that the French Revolution was a symbol of human freedom and dignity. Category:French history