Bastille Day

Definition

Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th, marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which became a symbol of the French Revolution and the fight against tyranny. This event signified the beginning of the revolution, leading to significant social and political changes in France and beyond, influencing ideas about democracy and rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The storming of the Bastille occurred on July 14, 1789, when revolutionaries seized control of the prison, which was seen as a symbol of royal oppression.
2. Bastille Day is now celebrated annually in France with fireworks, parades, and parties, reflecting national pride and remembrance of the revolutionary spirit.
3. The fall of the Bastille was crucial in rallying support for the revolutionary cause and marked a turning point that led to the eventual overthrow of King Louis XVI.
4. The event also inspired uprisings in other parts of Europe and has become a global symbol for the fight against oppression.
5. The Bastille prison itself held political prisoners and was viewed as a representation of tyranny, making its capture a powerful statement against authoritarian rule.

Review Questions

• How did the storming of the Bastille influence public perception of monarchy in France?
  • The storming of the Bastille significantly changed public perception of monarchy in France by transforming it into a symbol of tyranny. The attack represented the people's uprising against royal authority and oppression, rallying citizens around the revolutionary cause. It instilled a sense of empowerment among common people, demonstrating that they could challenge established power structures.
• In what ways did Bastille Day serve as a catalyst for broader social change during and after the French Revolution?
  • Bastille Day served as a catalyst for broader social change by symbolizing the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity. The event inspired revolutionary fervor that led to significant changes in governance, including the rise of republican ideals and the establishment of democratic institutions. As a rallying point, it united various factions against oppressive regimes not only in France but also influenced movements across Europe seeking similar reforms.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Bastille Day on modern political movements worldwide.
  • Bastille Day has had profound long-term impacts on modern political movements worldwide by becoming a universal symbol of resistance against tyranny. Its legacy is reflected in various independence movements and revolutions that advocate for democratic principles and human rights. The ideals expressed during this pivotal moment resonate globally, inspiring individuals and groups fighting against oppression, thus establishing July 14th as a date celebrated not only in France but recognized by many as a call for freedom and justice.

Related terms

French Revolution: A period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799 that fundamentally changed the course of French history, leading to the rise of republicanism and the decline of monarchies.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: A fundamental document from 1789 that laid out the individual rights of all citizens in France, heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas and directly inspired by events like the storming of the Bastille.

Guillotine: A device used for carrying out executions by beheading during the French Revolution, symbolizing the revolutionary government's pursuit of justice and equality.