

479. The French Revolution: The Storming of the Bastille (Part 5)
138 snips Aug 4, 2024
The chaos of the Storming of the Bastille embodies the brutal spirit of the French Revolution. As tensions escalated due to a bread crisis and political upheaval, a mob seized arms, igniting widespread violence. The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of liberation but also revealed the horrors of the uprising. Key figures like Lafayette emerged during this tumultuous time, influencing the course of events. Ultimately, the aftermath set the stage for a new France marked by shifting loyalties and the specter of ongoing violence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Berthier's Lynching
- Journalist Élysée L'Hustelot graphically described the lynching of Berthier de Sauvigny.
- This occurred a week after the Bastille fell, highlighting the violence of the revolution.
Sharma on Violence
- Historian Simon Sharma argues that violence was central to the French Revolution from the start.
- He believes historians often downplay its significance.
Necker's Generosity
- The people's hero during the French Revolution was Jacques Necker, a banker.
- After being dismissed, Necker guaranteed grain shipments to France with his own money.