Bastille Day

• Every year on July 14, France celebrates its National Day, also known as Bastille Day.
• The day, known as La Fete Nationale or Le 14 Juillet in French, is marked by fireworks and a parade.
• One of the most significant days in French history, it commemorates the fall of the Bastille, a military castle and political jail that was once seen as a symbol of the monarchy and armoury.

A Quick Recap of the French Revolution

• The French Revolution, which lasted from 1789 until 1799, was an era of significant social and political change in France.
• The French monarchy was overthrown, a republic was established, and thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were executed (guillotined) during the revolution.

The Bastille’s Fall

• Symbolism & Discontent: The Bastille, located near Paris, represents the monarchy’s despotic reign and abuse of power.
• Increasing Unrest: On July 14, 1789, Parisians assembled at the Bastille to protest King Louis XVI’s rule.
• Confrontation and Demands: The mob demanded the release of political prisoners as well as access to the fortress’s armaments. The Governor refused, resulting in a violent confrontation.
• Storming of the Bastille: The citadel fell after hours of struggle as the people of Paris overwhelmed its defenders.

Significance of the Event

• The fall of the Bastille represented the people’s victory against the monarchy and the end of the tyrannical old regime.
• Catalyst for Change: This event triggered a period of tremendous violence and instability, allowing revolutionaries to grab power and build a new order.
• The French Revolution resulted in the elimination of feudalism, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, and the founding of the First French Republic.
• Ideological Impact: The revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity have left an indelible mark on global political and social movements.

The collapse of the Bastille Inspired Other Nations:

• The collapse of the Bastille inspired other nations to struggle for their own rights and independence.
• Spreading Revolutionary Ideals: The values of the French Revolution echoed around the world, influencing future revolutionary movements throughout history.
• Rise of Democracy: The revolution’s emphasis on individual rights, democratic governance, and social equality impacted the global political and social scene.

Source: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/france-facts/symbols-of-the-republic/article/the-14th-of-july-bastille-day