| Bastille Day is much like Independence Day in | | | | against oppression for all French citizens. |
| the United States - It is the celebration of | | | | By capturing this symbol, the people signaled |
| a new form of government. Bastille Day | | | | that the king's power was no longer absolute: |
| symbolizes the overthrow of the old monarchy | | | | power should be passed on to the Nation and |
| and the beginning of the French republic. | | | | be limited by a separation of powers. |
| | | | |
| The Bastille | | | | The storming of the Bastille was the |
| | | | beginning of the French Revolution that |
| The Bastille was built in 1382 and was | | | | toppled King Louis XVI and the aristocracy. |
| originally used to defend the east side of | | | | For all citizens of France, the storming of |
| Paris from attack. The Bastille had walls | | | | the Bastille came to symbolize liberty and |
| more than 80 feet high and was surrounded by | | | | democracy in the struggle against oppression. |
| a moat. Hundreds of years later, the French | | | | |
| monarchy converted The Bastille into a prison | | | | Modern Day Celebrations |
| to lock up people who didn't agree with their | | | | |
| decisions. People were jailed by arbitrary | | | | Bastille Day was declared a French national |
| decision of the King. The Bastille was, in | | | | holiday on July 6th, 1880. Bastille Day has |
| particular, known for holding political | | | | such a strong signification for the French |
| prisoners whose writings had displeased the | | | | because the holiday symbolizes the birth of |
| royal government. The prisoners inside the | | | | the Republic. |
| Bastille were given no trial - they were | | | | |
| placed there under the king's orders and only | | | | Bastille Day is commemorated world-wide. For |
| he could decide when and if they would be | | | | instance, in Philadelphia people dressed as |
| freed. | | | | French revolutionaries mark the day by |
| | | | singing the speaker icon La Marseillaise, the |
| The Bastille became a symbol of the absolute | | | | French national anthem. |
| and arbitrary power of King Louis XVI's | | | | |
| Ancient Regime. | | | | In France, the day holds many festivities. |
| | | | Military parades are held in the morning, the |
| For the peasant class, the Bastille stood as | | | | largest of which takes place on the |
| a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of | | | | Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris in front of |
| the aristocratic government - controlled | | | | the President of the Republic. The parade |
| mostly by nobility and clergy. The monarchy | | | | opens with cadets from certain schools, |
| wasn't just undemocratic. The king and the | | | | followed by infantry troops, which are then |
| aristocracy also owned the land and extracted | | | | followed by motorized troops. During the |
| not only the rent, but imposed taxes and | | | | entire parade, aviation flies above. In |
| restrictions on the people. | | | | recent times, it has become customary to |
| | | | invite units from France's close allies into |
| The French people of all classes were | | | | the parade. For instance, in 2002 cadets from |
| frustrated with many of the problems of their | | | | the United States Military Academy paraded. |
| government, including wanting the king to | | | | |
| share his absolute powers, the right to own | | | | Bastille Day also falls during the running of |
| land and vote, tithes and feudal rights, | | | | the Tour de France, and is traditionally the |
| religious staff wanting more money. | | | | day upon which French riders will make a |
| | | | special effort to take a stage victory for |
| The Beginning of the Revolution | | | | France. |
| | | | |
| Due to these many reasons, the French people | | | | Parisians celebrate this national holiday |
| stormed and seized The Bastille on July 14th, | | | | with colorful arts festivals and raucous |
| 1789. Violent peasants pillaged and burned | | | | parties. Many cities hold fireworks during |
| chateaux, and destroyed records of feudal | | | | the night. It is also customary that |
| dues. | | | | firefighters organize dancing parties. |
| | | | |
| At the time of its capture, the Bastille only | | | | Everyone is encouraged to raise a glass of |
| held seven prisoners. But the storming of the | | | | champagne and toast the national freedom |
| prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight | | | | they've enjoyed for more than 200 years. |