Then and Now 1: The French Revolution
- POSTED ON: 14 Jul, 2017
- TOTAL VIEWS: 2098 Views
- POSTED BY: Bhavya Venkatesh
- ARTICLE POINTS: 100 Points
The French Revolution was an important time in the history of France. It marks the period of time when the people of the country overthrew the monarchy and took control of the government.
Very little remains today of what Paris was in the 18th century, when the key events of the Revolution took place. Revisit these historical sites which had a part to play in the happenings of the Revolution and compare them with how they look today!
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- Place de la Bastille
On 14 July 1789, a mob of revolutionaries attacked a prison called the Bastille. The combat resulted in the fortress falling and being taken by the mob. Today, nothing remains of the old fortress. The July Column stands at the center of the square. The square is a bustling area, and is home to concerts and other events.
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- The Tuileries Palace
At the time of the French Revolution, the Tuileries Palace was used to hold the royal family under surveillance. The palace was destroyed later. The gardens of the palace are all that remain today.
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- La Conciergerie
La Conciergerie is a royal palace that was used as a prison during the French Revolution. Queen Marie Antoinette was taken here and separated from her children. Many portions of the palace are still used today for official purposes.
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- Place de la Concorde
It was in this square that the guillotine was erected. The guillotine was an instrument that was used to behead people, and it was became symbolic of the French Revolution. It was at this site that King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette and many other important figures were executed, often in front of cheering crowds. Today, this square is marked with a huge Egyptian obelisk (a stone pillar).
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- Basilica of St Denis
This Basilica is the burial place of French kings. During the French Revolution, the abbey, a symbol of the royals, was completely demolished and only the church was left standing. It was restored later. The Basilica used to have two towers, until the left tower was struck by lightning and had to be removed.
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