To many people in France, the Bastille was a symbol of what?

The Bastille held significant symbolism for many people in France, particularly as a representation of royal oppression. Originally a fortress in Paris, the Bastille became a state prison used by the kings of France to detain political prisoners and individuals who opposed the monarchy. As tensions mounted leading up to the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was not just a physical attack on a prison; it came to symbolize the uprising against the tyranny of monarchy and the fight for liberation from oppressive rule.

This event marked a pivotal moment in history, signaling the beginning of the French Revolution and representing the people's desire for justice, equality, and freedom. Therefore, the Bastille is more accurately viewed as a symbol of the oppressive nature of the monarchy rather than a representation of France's might, which would more reflect the strength of the state or the monarchy itself.