but the French Revolution was lead by the bourgeoisie from the start. In May 1789, King Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General, to try and find a solution to France’s financial problems.

Napoleon would eventually declare himself "Emperor of the French." John Adams had feared just such a chaotic end: A revolution of this sort, he had argued, would lead not to democracy but despotism.

The Place de la Bastille is often considered the epicenter of the French Revolution. It was here ... and many others met ...