The event often considered the start of the French Revolution is the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. This attack on the Bastille prison, which symbolized royal tyranny, was initiated by revolutionary crowds seeking arms and munition as tensions between the monarchy and the populace escalated. The event represented the broader discontent with King Louis XVI's regime, fueled by economic hardship, social inequality, and Enlightenment ideals championing liberty and democracy. The fall of the Bastille ignited widespread uprisings and ultimately led to significant political and social changes in France.