Importance of Bastille Day in French History!

In order to understand the importance of Bastille Day in French History, you have only to ask yourself one question: What is your Freedom worth to you? What would you give to be out from under the oppression and whim of an abusive and tyrannical government? What actions would you take in order to secure those freedoms? On July 14th, 1789, the people of France took the ultimate steps in revolting against their government in order to secure those rights!

They had been taken advantage of and treated very poorly for years. The Monarchy of France had continued to usurp their authority and flaunt their wealth as the people of France under constant strain from the burden of high taxes and unemployment were actually starving to death in the streets.

The French people had been ruled by a monarchy since 476 A.D. when the Roman Empire collapsed. The most famous of the French Kings during the dark ages being Charlemagne, well known among historians as a man of great insight and invention. It could be said however that the beginning of the end of French Monarchy rule started with King Louis XIV in 1701.

The French Kings increasingly took their position as a matter of family right rather than national responsibility. The communication between peasantry and government continued to break down until by the time of King Louis XVI in 1798, conditions had become so bad that royalty had no idea how bad off the citizens lives had become. Even worse, they really didn't care. It could be said quite literally that the French Government was out of touch with its people.

Early on the morning of July 14th, the people finally had enough and took matters into their own hands by revolting and storming the most hated symbol of the French Monarchy, the Bastille. Built in 1382 as a defense against invaders from the east, its walls stood eighty feet high and was well stocked with arms and ammunition. It was later turned into a prison for those who would speak against the monarchy.

The peasants soon routed the caretakers of the Bastille, letting the prisoners loose and raiding the storehouses. This was the spark that soon spread across the country as those peasants in the countryside living under oppressive conditions not only from the government but also from the local landowners, were emboldened to revolt as well.

For the first time in their lives, the citizens of France had a small taste of freedom, and having their appetities wetted, they were not about to go back under the chains of oppression. The Revolution continued until all remnants of the old Monarchy had been replaced with a government represented by the people.

Each July 14th, the citizens of France celebrate to remember the price that was paid and the courage of those people who dared to change their lives.