Storming of the Bastille

1. Storming of the Bastille Bastille Day & French Independence Day

2. Timeline of Events 1370- Began construction of Bastille in response to an English threat to Paris during 100 Years War July 6, 1880- Bastille Day declared an official holiday in France to be celebrated every July 14th July 14, 1789- The storming of Bastille , a key event in the French Revolution 1417- Bastille declared a state prison 1383- Construction of Bastille completed Sept. 18, 1698- The notorious “Man in the Iron Mask” imprisoned at Bastille, who's identity is still unknown today July 1789- Following the storming of Bastille, the fortress was destroyed

3. Slogans of the French Revolution Vive La Revolución Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Long live the revolution) (Liberty, equality, fraternity)

4. Bastille Day • A large military parade is held in Paris to recognize all branches of French military, including the air force which fly aircraft over the parade • The president used to hold and interview with the press but current president, Nicolas Sarkozy, decided to end this tradition • The president used to give out pardons, mainly to petty crimes, but the current president ended this practice • Family picnics are held • Concerts, dances, and balls are held • Firework displays are held

5. History of The Storming of Bastille The Storming of Bastille was an event that would forever change France. This important event was the result of several other political struggles going on in the nation at the time. In 1789 France was in trouble, the nation’s debt was at an all-time high. The king, Louis XIV, decided to hold the Estates-General on May 17, 1789 to hear from the three estates of France on their resolution to the problem, but the Third Estate, which represented the common people, broke away from the other two estates, which represented the nobility and the Catholic Church. They formed a National Assembly, and on June 20th took the famous Tennis Court Oath, promising to not separate until an appropriate constitution had been written. Soon delegates of other estates joined the National Assembly, and Louis XIV began to take notice. On July 11th the financial advisor to Louis XIV was banished after he showed sympathy to the Third Estate. On July 14th, the people of Paris, in fear that the royal army would attack, stormed the Bastille, a prison that was thought to have held political prisoners, guns, and ammunition. After a skirmish with the guards the people of Paris successfully stormed the prison. Despite only holding seven prisoners, all of which had little political significance, the attack was considered a victory as the Bastille was a symbol of absolutism. Because of this event, on August 4th feudalism was abolished and France began to form the nation it is today. Each year on July 14th, France holds a large celebration called Bastille Day to commemorate the storming of Bastille. It is one of the largest national holidays in France with many places of business and work closed for the day. The day begins with a massive military parade where each branch of the French military participates including the air force which flies planes over the parade. It has also recently become customary to invite French allies to participate in the parade. The French president used to hold an interview with the press discussing France, but current president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has stopped this tradition. Also the president used to give out pardons on Bastille Day, mainly for petty crimes, but the current president ended this practice as well. The day continues to be celebrated, however, with picnics, concerts, dances, balls, and other jovial events. Finally the day ends with spectacular firework displays for all to see. This annual day of celebration is important to the French people as it is their way of commemorating the Storming of Bastille and the impact the event had on France.