The event often cited as the start of the French Revolution is the Storming of the Bastille, which occurred on July 14, 1789. The Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris, was seen as a symbol of royal tyranny. Its dramatic takeover by revolutionaries was fueled by a desire for freedom and a response to the oppressive regime of King Louis XVI. The event galvanized public support for the revolutionary cause and marked a significant turning point in French history. It is celebrated annually in France as Bastille Day, symbolizing the fight against oppression and the pursuit of liberty.