Bastille Day is a national holiday in France celebrated on the 14th of July, in order to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in 1789.

So, the first question we want to ask ourselves is: what is the Bastille? The Bastille symbolises the cruelty of the French monarchy back at King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette’s time. At first, however, it was designed to defend the eastern side of Paris during the Hundred Years’ War with England in the 1300s. As a prison, it locked many “rebels” such as the famous Voltaire, who disagreed with the politicians. Most of them were imprisoned even without a proper trial which is one of the most unjust things ever heard of. It was planned to be demolished in 1789, with a public square taking its place instead. Also, it then only held seven prisoners.

Back to the revolution. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette knew nothing of saving, and they continued spending, spending, spending. Naturally, that led France onto the edge of economic disaster, with the prices of bread rising to an alarming height, causing nationwide hunger, and a problem of unemployment. Although King Louis XVI tried to solve these problems, the commoners, who could make the most authentic reports of the issues to the king, were treated unequally by the clergy and noblemen. Furious, they immediately started gathering people for their new system, named the National Assembly. They then collected all the weapons they could lay hands on.

Then, on July 14th, the furious revolutionists sieged the Bastille. Horrified, the governor of the Bastille - Bernard-René de Launay, as it seemed, welcomed them enthusiastically to negotiate and swore not to fire. Yet, the negotiation was long, and those waiting outside grew impatient and might have thought their men may have been imprisoned. So, part of the revolutionists sneaked into the Bastille’s courtyard, de Launay saw that, and at the same time, broke his promise and started shooting the attackers coolly. Nearly one hundred of them died, and some were heavily wounded, useless for the attack.

But… in the afternoon, a group of French soldiers rebelled and began attacking the Bastille with cannons. Boom! The National Assembly was winning… Boom! De Launay waved the white flag, surrendered, was captured, and was taken by the people who later beheaded him. Moments later, they started to murder other soldiers mercilessly. After the storming of the Bastille, the Bastille was demolished until almost none of it remained. A few years later, King Louis XVI was decapitated by the guillotine in public space, and so was his queen.

Today, much like the Independence Day of America, Bastille Day is celebrated with parades, festivals, parties, and colourful fireworks. It’s now a public holiday in France that represents liberty, equality, and fraternity. Please always remember those who sacrificed themselves for a new, better, and stronger nation.

Enjoy yourselves!

Written by: Lily
Edited by: Autumn Aschinger
Proofread by: Connor Callahan