Bastille Day is much like Independence Day in the U.S. - It 's a celebration of a new form of government. Bastille Day symbolizes the overthrow of the monarchy and the beginning of the French republic.
The Bastille
The Bastille was built in 1382 and was originally used to defend the east side of Paris from attack. The Bastille had walls more than 80 meters high and was surrounded by a moat. Hundreds of years later, the French monarchy converted The Bastille in a prison to lock up those who did not agree with their decisions. People have been imprisoned with the king's arbitrary decision. The Bastille was, in particular, known for holding political prisoners whose writings had displeased the royal government. The prisoners inside the Bastille were given no evidence - were placed there under orders of the king and he alone could decide when and if they would be freed.
The Bastille became a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of King Louis XVI's Ancient Regime.
For the peasant class, the Bastille stood as a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocratic government - controlled mostly by nobility and clergy. The monarchy was not only undemocratic. The king and the aristocracy also owned the land and extracting not only the rent, but taxes and restrictions imposed on people.
The French people of all classes were frustrated with many of the problems of their government, including the king wanted to share his absolute power, the right to vote and own land, tithes and feudal rights, religious personnel who want more money.
The beginning of the revolution
Because of these reasons, the French people stormed and seized the Bastille, July 14, 1789. violent peasants pillaged and burned chateaux, and destroyed records of feudal rights.
At the time of his capture, the Bastille only held seven prisoners. But the assault on the prison was a symbol of freedom and the fight against oppression for all French citizens. By capturing this symbol, people have reported that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be transmitted to the nation and limited by a separation of powers.
The storming of the Bastille was the beginning of the French Revolution that toppled King Louis XVI and the aristocracy. To all citizens of France, the storming of the Bastille became a symbol of freedom and democracy in the struggle against oppression.
Modern Day Celebrations
Bastille Day was declared a French national holiday July 6, 1880. Bastille Day has a strong meaning for the French because the holiday symbolizes the birth of the Republic.
Bastille Day is commemorated around the world. For example, in Philadelphia people dressed as French revolutionaries mark the day by singing the La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
In France, the day holds many festivals. military parades are held in the morning, the largest of which takes place along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, before the President of the Republic. The parade opens with cadets from schools, followed by infantry troops, which are then followed by motorized troops. During the whole procession, the Air Force flies over. Recently, it has become customary to invite units from France's closest allies in the parade. For example, in 2002 the United States Military Academy cadets marched.
Bastille Day also falls during the course of the Tour de France, and is traditionally the day on which French riders will make a special effort to take a stage victory for France.
Parisians celebrate this national holiday with a colorful festival of arts and parts hoarse. Many cities hold fireworks during the night. It 'also customary that firefighters organize dancing parties.
All are encouraged to raise a glass of champagne and toast the national freedom, which have enjoyed for over 200 years.
Celebrate Bastille home
This July, why not join the citizens of France in a celebration of national freedom and plan a Bastille Day celebration, complete with gourmet French chocolate.
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