Fact Check: The storming of the Bastille held only seven inmates at the time.

Fact Check: "The storming of the Bastille held only seven inmates at the time."

What We Know

The storming of the Bastille occurred on July 14, 1789, and is widely recognized as a pivotal event marking the beginning of the French Revolution. At the time of the storming, the Bastille prison contained only seven inmates. This fact is corroborated by multiple historical sources, including Wikipedia and History.com, which both confirm that the prison was largely symbolic of royal authority rather than a significant holding facility for prisoners. The seven inmates included a mix of individuals, such as a nobleman and several forgers, which further emphasizes the minimal nature of the prison's population at that time (Answer Foundry).

Analysis

The claim that only seven inmates were present in the Bastille during its storming is supported by credible historical accounts. The sources referenced are reputable and provide consistent information regarding the event. For instance, the Britannica also states that the Bastille contained only seven inmates at the time of its capture, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.

Moreover, the context surrounding the storming of the Bastille highlights its symbolic significance rather than its operational role as a prison. The event was primarily driven by the revolutionary sentiment against the monarchy, with the Bastille serving as a representation of tyranny. This context is well-documented in historical literature, including articles from Advocate News and This Day in History, which discuss the implications of the storming and its role in igniting the revolution.

While some sources, such as Lumen Learning, provide additional details about the event and its aftermath, they do not contradict the central claim regarding the number of inmates. The consistency across various reputable sources lends credibility to the assertion that the Bastille held only seven prisoners at the time of its storming.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "the storming of the Bastille held only seven inmates at the time" is accurate. Multiple reliable sources confirm that the prison contained only seven inmates during the storming, and this fact is consistent with the historical context of the event, which was more about the symbolic act of defiance against the monarchy than about the actual number of prisoners held.

Fact Check: The storming of the Bastille held only seven inmates at the time.