Today in History: Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated as a national holiday in France, commemorating the seize of the royal fortress (aka prison) which symbolized the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchs -- Marie Antoinette, among them. On July 14, 1789 revolutionaries overthrew King Louis XVI, forcing the "ancien regime" to accept constitutional government and thereby beginning the modern republic of France.
Bastille Day is celebrated in countries throughout the world and in the United States, in as many as, if not more than twenty cities -- among them Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Newport, Washington D.C., Dallas, New Orleans, Chicago, St. Louis, and Portland. Parades, fireworks, music, film, and cuisine are greatly enjoyed in appreciation of French history and culture. Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!
The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.
- Bastille Day, July 14, Will Be Observed All Over Country: Great Enthusiasm Shown In Preparations For the Celebration Here. (1918, Jun 28). New - York Tribune (1911-1922)
- French Residents In City Pay Honor To National Fete: Bastille Day Celebrated With Resume Of History, World War Discussions, Dance and Reception. (1924, Jul 15). The Sun (1837-)
- Consul Praises U. S. and France On Bastille Day: Fair Celebrates Birth Of French Liberty. (1934, Jul 15). Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963)
- (1945, Jul 13). Paris Waits Bastille Day: Military Parade, Gala Dances Tomorrow To Mark Victory. (1945, Jul 13) New York Times (1923-)
- de Lyrot, A. (1959, Jul 15). Paris Marks Bastille Day In Splendor: Two Hour Parade On Champs-Elysees. New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962)
- Maitland, L. (1975, Jul 15). French Here Celebrate Bastille Day: French In City Celebrate With Bottles and a Boat. New York Times (1923-)
- Reich, H. (1981, Jul 10). Variety: Street Fare: Celebrating Fine Food and Fine Arts Bastille Day Celebration Unlocks Fine Food, Fine Arts. Chicago Tribune (1963-1996)
- Corey, M. (1989, Jul 13). C'est Bon; C'est Triste: Bastille Day Celebration Brings Mix Of Emotions To French Here. The Sun (1837-)
- Maes, N. (1990, Jul 13). One Year After: Bastille Day Is Still Worth a Celebration. Chicago Tribune (1963-1996)
- Daemmrich, J. (1992, Jul 15). Countians See Bastille Day In Annapolis: Bastille Day Comes To Maryland 20-Year Tradition Continues With a Certain Joy Of Life. The Sun (1837-)
