What does Schama claim about the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789?

Schama’s assertion that the Storming of the Bastille marked the climax of the popular movement reflects the event's significant role in the broader narrative of the French Revolution. The Bastille was seen as a symbol of royal tyranny and oppression; thus, its storming on July 14, 1789, by the revolutionary populace was not just a spontaneous riot but rather a powerful expression of the collective will of the people against the monarchy. This act galvanized the revolutionary spirit, serving as a turning point that inspired further actions toward liberty and equality, highlighting the awakening and mobilization of the common people in the face of years of socioeconomic strain.

This understanding aligns with the broader interpretation of the Revolution as a popular uprising where ordinary citizens took a decisive stand against existing structures of authority, setting in motion a series of events that would drastically alter the course of French history. The symbolic victory at the Bastille resonated deeply in the national consciousness and became a rallying point for the revolutionaries, embodying their aspirations for change and the establishment of a new social order.