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The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 marks the official start of the French Revolution, but the nation had become increasingly unstable over a period of twenty to thirty years beforehand.

The French Revolution was partly inspired by the American Revolution (1775-1783) and by writings on populist themes of democratic government. Dissatisfaction had undermined the rule of King Louis XVI as he sought new taxes to pay France's wartime costs. The General Assembly of May 1789 led to open discord by the Third Estate, those outside the nobility. Although many sought only changes to the monarchy, others advocated its complete overthrow. Many feared that the king would close down the National Assembly at Versailles in June. As Parisian rioting spread on July 14, some sought the arms stored within the Bastille, leading to open conflict with the King's guards. Soon popular rebellions had sprung up across France, and many government officials were attacked or killed.

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13y ago

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