Home > History Fact Finder > Holidays and Observances - What Is Bastille Day?

1. Printable Version
2. Download PDF
3. Cite this Page
4. Tweet This

What is Bastille Day?

Celebrated on July 14, Bastille Day is the French version of the Independence Day held in the United States. In 1789 French revolutionaries seized the Bastille, a prison dating from 1370 where French kings locked up their enemies. The capturing of this hated landmark signaled the beginning of the French Revolution (1789–99; a movement during which the monarchy was overthrown and a democratic government was established).

Further Information: "Bastille Day." MSN Encarta. [Online] Available http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761574230&cid=2#p2, November 6, 2000.

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass

1. Winter
   1. What event does Hanukkah commemorate?
   2. Was Jesus really born on December 25?
   3. Was there really a Saint Nick?
   4. How old is Kwanza?
   5. How long have people been celebrating the New Year?
   6. Why is the Chinese New Year not celebrated on January 1?
   7. When did Groundhog Day begin?
   8. What is Twelfth Night?
   9. Which presidents does Presidents' Day commemorate?
   10. Was there really a Saint Valentine?
   11. What does the Jewish holiday of Purim commemorate?
2. Spring
   1. What is Ramadan?
   2. Who was Saint Patrick?
   3. Does Passover commemorate a real event?
   4. How long has Mardi Gras been celebrated in New Orleans?
   5. Why is Ash Wednesday so solemn?
   6. Why is Easter celebrated when it is?
   7. How old is April Fools' Day?
   8. What is Children's Day?
3. Summer
   1. What is May Day?
   2. Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?
   3. What is the history of Mothers' Day in the United States?
   4. When was the first Memorial Day?
   5. How old is Fathers' Day?
   6. When did Americans first celebrate Independence Day?
   7. What is a moveable holiday?
   8. What is Bastille Day?
4. Fall
   1. What does Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur commemorate?
   2. When is election day held in the United States?
   3. Do all countries celebrate Thanksgiving?