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The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, perhaps more than any other event, is emblematic of the French Revolution and the triumph of les peuple over tyranny. This organically generated uprising would mark the beginning of the end for ancien régime and the emergence of France as a modern democratic republic. But as happens with celebrated historical events, the Bastille (destroyed almost immediately after its storming) has been assigned a myriad of political and ideological interpretations. We will examine the facts and myths of the storming of the Bastille prison, and explore how “the Bastille” became a worldwide symbol and central focus for human rights struggles—from 1789 right up to today’s demonstrations over pension reform.

Roger Mummert is a writer, photographer and founder of the website www.theparisproject.net an experiential resource for appreciating Paris as a city of ideas. He recently hosted “Paris: A City of Ideas” with the Federation…