The Fall of the Bastille: The Revolution That Changed the World, And You Haven’t Heard the Real Story Yet!
Introduction: July 14th – More Than Just a Holiday Every July 14th in France is celebrated as Republic Day, but do you know why? The Fall of the Bastille was not just a raid on a fortress with seven prisoners and a few guards. It was the start of a revolution that toppled the feudal system and changed Europe forever!
Bastille – A Symbol of Tyranny and Injustice The Bastille, a medieval fortress in Paris, served as a prison for political opponents of the king. Without the right to appeal, prisoners awaited trial by direct royal order. But the discontent of the lower classes culminated on July 14, 1789, when a crowd, completely unorganized, seized the fortress. Although there were only seven prisoners inside, the psychological impact on royal power was enormous.
The Revolution That Toppled Old Orders The Fall of the Bastille marked the beginning of the end of feudalism. Just a day later, on August 4, nobles renounced their privileges, erasing class differences. All French citizens became equal before the law, laying the foundation of modern states.
The French Revolution and Its Consequences The French Revolution brought principles of separation of powers, republican governance, and civil equality. Even restaurants emerged as a consequence – palace chefs lost their jobs and opened restaurants for citizens!
Impact on Serbia and the World The French Revolution inspired Serbia in its struggle for liberation from the Turks. Ideas of equality and justice influenced the Sretenje Constitution and other laws.
July 14th – More Than Just the Fall of the Bastille It’s not just the Fall of the Bastille that matters. A year later, on July 14, 1790, a grand celebration was held on the Champ de Mars in Paris, with King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, when a peaceful revolution with royal support was still imaginable. Of course, it didn’t last – the revolution soon turned bloody.
Conclusion: The Day That Changed the World July 14th is a symbol of national unity and freedom. Although today everyone thinks only of the Fall of the Bastille, we should remember other events that shaped modern France and the world.
If you thought you knew everything about July 14th, think again! Maybe it’s time to dive into history books, not just celebrate the holiday. And if you have your favorite historical myth about the Bastille, share it in the comments – maybe together we’ll uncover another crazy story!
