Daily Current Affairs : 15-July-2024

Bastille Day is well known every year in France on July 14, marking an essential moment in the country’s history. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789, a key event during the French Revolution. This day symbolizes the downfall of the old, oppressive monarchy and the rise of a new era of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The French Revolution’s Causes

By the late 18th century, France was in a state of crisis. The country was facing severe financial problems, including:

  • Financial Crisis: France had huge debts due to costly wars, including involvement in the American Revolution.
  • Famine: Poor harvests led to food shortages, causing widespread hunger among the population.
  • Social Inequality: The division of society into three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) meant that the common people faced unfair treatment, high taxes, and hardship.

These issues led to growing anger and frustration among the people, particularly the working class and peasants, who had little power or voice in government decisions.

The Storming of the Bastille

On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a prison that symbolized the king’s absolute power. Although the prison held only a few prisoners at the time, its fall represented a powerful symbol of the people’s defiance against the monarchy. The event marked the beginning of a broader revolution that would overthrow the existing social and political order.

Bastille Day: A National Celebration

Bastille Day has been celebrated in France since 1790, just one year after the storming of the Bastille. However, it wasn’t until 1879 that it was officially declared as France’s National Day. Today, the day is celebrated with grand parades, fireworks, and various public festivities across the country.

  • Parades: The most famous event is the military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
  • Fireworks and Parties: Cities and towns all over France host fireworks displays and street parties.

Important Points:

  • Bastille Day is celebrated annually in France on July 14 to mark the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789.
  • The event symbolized the fall of the oppressive monarchy and the rise of liberty, equality, and fraternity during the French Revolution.

Causes of the French Revolution:

  • Financial crisis due to France’s massive debt from wars, including the American Revolution.
  • Famine caused by poor harvests, leading to widespread hunger and social unrest.
  • Social inequality where the common people (Third Estate) faced high taxes and little political power.

The Storming of the Bastille:

  • On July 14, 1789, Parisians attacked the Bastille prison, symbolizing their defiance against the monarchy.
  • The fall of the Bastille marked the beginning of a broader revolution that would lead to the overthrow of the old political and social order.

Bastille Day Celebrations:

  • Bastille Day has been celebrated since 1790, and in 1879, it was officially declared France’s National Day.
  • Major events include:
  • Military parades on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
  • Fireworks and street parties in cities and towns across France.

Significance:

  • Bastille Day celebrates France’s core values of freedom, equality, and democracy.
  • It marks a pivotal moment in the transition from an absolute monarchy to a republic, where the people gained power over their future.

Why In News

France celebrates its national day, Bastille Day, on July 14, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789—an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the fight for liberty and equality.

MCQs about Bastille Day

  1. What event is commemorated on Bastille Day in France?
    A. The signing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
    B. The execution of King Louis XVI
    C. The storming of the Bastille prison
    D. The end of the French Revolution
    Correct Answer: C. The storming of the Bastille prison
    Explanation: Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
  2. Which of the following was NOT a cause of the French Revolution?
    A. Financial crisis due to costly wars
    B. Widespread famine caused by poor harvests
    C. The success of the American Revolution
    D. The establishment of the National Assembly
    Correct Answer: D. The establishment of the National Assembly
    Explanation: The National Assembly was formed as a result of the Revolution, not as a cause. Key causes included financial issues, famine, and social inequality.
  3. When was Bastille Day officially declared as France’s National Day?
    A. 1790
    B. 1789
    C. 1879
    D. 1900
    Correct Answer: C. 1879
    Explanation: Bastille Day was celebrated from 1790, but it was officially declared France’s National Day in 1879.
  4. Which of the following is a major event that occurs during Bastille Day celebrations?
    A. The opening of the French Parliament
    B. A military parade on the Champs-Élysées
    C. A national election
    D. A public referendum
    Correct Answer: B. A military parade on the Champs-Élysées
    Explanation: One of the key events of Bastille Day is the military parade held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, which is a major national celebration.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading