The major event that began on July 14, 1789, in France was the Storming of the Bastille, which marked the onset of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a fortress prison seen as a symbol of royal tyranny and oppression. The attack by revolutionaries was fueled by widespread discontent with King Louis XVI's government, high taxes, and food shortages. The fall of the Bastille became a rallying point for the revolutionaries, symbolizing the fight against despotism and the desire for liberty and equality. This event ultimately led to the establishment of a republic in France and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide.