Paris was originally settled by a Celtic Parisii tribe as a fishing village on the island in the River Seine that is now Ilé de la Cite. Since it was first conquered by Julius Caesar in 52 BC, Paris has alternately suffered centuries of rebellion and rivalry followed by periods of peace and prosperity.
On, July 14, 1789, a mob of poor and rebellious workers stormed the Bastille and the French Revolution began. The years of the Revolution were dark days for Paris. Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor in December 1804. Under Napoleon, Paris became the capital of an empire, a military superpower and regained much of its lost grandeur. But, more revolutions followed in 1830 and 1848, followed by the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. During the Third Republic, Paris again enjoyed a brief golden age – the Belle Époque. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the World Exhibition of 1889 and prosperous times continued until World War I. Although the Germans were prevented from reaching Paris during WWI, they occupied the city during World War II and once more dark times fell on the City of Light. In June 1944, Allied Forces and the Free French under General Charles de Gaulle were victorious at Normandy and shortly afterward the Germans were driven out of Paris.
Fortunately, Paris sustained minimal damage during WWII and in the years that followed became one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Today, even as scandals, demonstrations and protests continue to plague Paris from time to time, it continues to grow and prosper and more visitors each year flock to the City of Light and fall in love.
