The storming of the Bastille took place on July 14, 1789. The event became a potent symbol of popular uprising against tyranny—or a symbol of anarchy run wild, depending on your politics- says historian John Schmidt. July 14th—Bastille Day—is now a national holiday in France. Schmidt reminds of what led up to the July 14th uprising. (photo: Prise de la Bastille, by Houel, 1789, wikimedia commons)