Question

State the reason why Bastille prison was attacked.

Answer 1

The Bastille was a fortress used as a prison by the King of France. It was stormed on 14 July 1789 by the people who wanted to reach the ammunition that was believed to have been stored there. The commander of the prison was killed and the seven prisoners inside were all released. The fortress was completely demolished by people. The Bastille represented the despotic power of the king and was the focus of much resentment.

Answer 2

Before the revolution, the Bastille was a quite small and insignificant prison, which guarded only seven prisoners. The mob did not break into the Bastille to free its prisoners. The real reason was gunpowder. Namely, the Bastille guarded an incredible amount of about 13,600 kg of gunpowder.