Storming The Bastille

6 Almost every Revolution in history has been initiated by a distinct and abrupt sparking event. This sparking event often splits into two distinguishing features. The first spark is the ideology, and the second is the consolidation of that ideology through violence. The idea of this sparking event is evident In the latin root of the word revolution, “revolutio”. Literally translated a revolution is “ turn around”, an abrupt reaction. In addition, to this root the word also stems itself back to the latin verb revolvere (“ to revolve”). The etymology of the word revolution is significant in the way it which it reveals two key aspects of revolutions. Starting with the first latin root ‘revelatio”, an abrupt ‘turnaround’, emphasizes the

The Storming of the Bastille is a clear example of how violence had an overwhelming and even mob like effect on the French revolutionaries. As a physical monument, the Bastille prison served as the embodiment of “tyranny”. The English Classical historian Lord Acton depicted the Bastille as “ an instrument of tyranny”, and place that “overshadowed the capital”, and “ darkened the hearts of men.” In this quote, Acton is illustrating the Bastille as a cursed and dark place, a place that fed violent hatred both physically and mentally. Violent events did occur during the storming of the Bastille, ultimately concluding with the savage act of decapitating a prison guard. The choice of putting the prison guards head on a pike illustrates how the revolutionaries were using violence to make a statement. The grotesque image of a decapitated head on a pike instilled fear into those who witnessed. Even though this action was appalling in nearly every way, its savagery fulfilled a purpose, setting fear in the minds of France’s citizens, France 's government, and the monarchy. The creation of fear is a key component to gaining power and control during revolution. As illustrated by the brutality present during the storming of Bastille, physical violence functions as an aid to psychological turmoil. Going back to Acton 's’ quote, it is clear that the storming of Bastille truly did “darken” the hearts of men.” At

The execution of Charles I in England, also consumed at the minds of the British revolutionaries. At the moment prior to when Charles was beheaded those watching the execution began responding with fury. Those watching chanted the king 's name in vain, reacting to the execution in a near mob-like manner. This again illustrates how violence took over the mind psychologically. The type of psychological violence here resembles what occurred during the Boston Massacre. During the Boston Massacre, there was also mob mentality present. The fury building up in the American protesters became unified creating one solid