What year did the fall of the Bastille occur, marking a symbolic start of the French Revolution?

The fall of the Bastille occurred in 1789, marking a significant turning point and symbolic start of the French Revolution. This event took place on July 14, 1789, when revolutionaries stormed the fortress-prison in Paris, which had come to represent the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchy. The Bastille was seen as a symbol of oppression, and its fall symbolized the uprising against the king's authority and the demand for liberty and democracy.

This year is pivotal in the timeline of the French Revolution, as it not only initiated widespread revolt against the monarchy but also set the stage for the subsequent events of the revolution, including the drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen later that year. The significance of this event has made July 14 a national holiday in France, known as Bastille Day, celebrating the spirit of freedom and the principles of the Revolution.