The Bastille was widely despised primarily because it served as a potent symbol of the king's despotic power and arbitrary rule. More than just a fortress, it embodied the injustices and oppression faced by the common people under the monarchy.
The Symbol of Royal Despotism
For centuries, the Bastille had been a stark reminder of the absolute authority wielded by the French monarchy. Its very existence represented a system where the king's will was law, often without regard for individual rights or due process.
- Arbitrary Imprisonment: One of the main reasons for its notoriety was its use as a state prison. Individuals could be incarcerated there without trial, often on the basis of a lettre de cachet – a sealed letter from the king ordering imprisonment without explanation or legal recourse. This practice was deeply resented, as it bypassed all forms of justice and highlighted the unchecked power of the monarch to silence dissent or punish personal enemies.
- Lack of Due Process: Unlike typical prisons, the Bastille's inmates were frequently political prisoners, writers, philosophers, or anyone who dared to challenge the established order. Their confinement was not based on public charges or trials, but on the whim of the crown, fostering a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among the populace.
A Fortress of Fear
While its actual inmate count might have been low at times, the psychological impact of the Bastille was immense. It stood as a physical manifestation of a regime that could imprison its subjects without question, making it a focal point for public resentment against the Bourbon monarchy. The mere sight of its imposing walls invoked feelings of oppression and the denial of fundamental liberties.
The Fall and Its Legacy
The hatred for the Bastille was so profound that its storming on July 14, 1789, became a pivotal moment in French history, igniting the French Revolution. The subsequent demolition of the fortress was a deliberate act of defiance against the old regime. Its stone fragments were not merely discarded; they were sold in markets to those who wished to keep a souvenir of its destruction, signifying a collective desire to erase the physical embodiment of tyranny and to possess a tangible piece of freedom's dawn. This act underscores the depth of the public's antipathy towards everything the Bastille represented.
