by Trent Lorcher

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 03, 2008

More famous for its inability to untrench the Germans in World War I, its quick surrendering in WWII, its non-participation in the Vietnam conflict, and its failure to out-flop the Italians in the 2006 World Cup, France does hold the honor of staging the world's all time bloodiest revolution, one which popularized the guillotine, set a new standard for political tyranny and corruption, and made wearing culottes a crime. Every July 14, the French celebrate Bastille Day, commemorating the beginning of this revolution.

THE BASTILLE - A SYMBOL OF TYRANNY

In addition to storing arms, the Bastille stood as a symbol of tyranny. Initially constructed to defend Paris from hostile forces, the Bastille was turned into a prison in the 1700s after failing to achieve its purpose six times. Famous prisoners include Voltaire and the Marquis de Sade. Its most famous prisoner, the legendary man in the iron mask, has been popularized by Alexander Dumas famous novel and a horrible movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

THE STORMING OF THE BASTILLE

The French Revolution began, at least symbolically, when angry citizens looking to arm themselves, stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The ensuing battle resembled current French military exercises more than it portended a bloody revolution. In an effort to avoid unnecessary deaths, the prison's governor surrendered. The mob, angry and looking for someone to bludgeon, kept fighting, managing to kill one whole guard. The surrendering guards, sentenced to death after the battle, killed 98 attackers.

BASTILLE DAY BECOMES AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY

The French celebrated The Fete de la Federation one year later. The festival included fireworks, parades, enormous amounts of wine, and running through the streets naked. There was, however, no mention of the 98-1 shellacking. The 14th of July became an official holiday in 1880. Although militarily unproductive, the storming of the Bastille came to represent the fight against oppression for all French citizens, including the seven illegally imprisoned and heroically freed during the triumphant siege in 1789.

MODERN BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Francophiles throughout the world consider the 14th of July a day of celebration, similar to Independence days around the world. The French still celebrate Bastille Day with fireworks, parades, festivals, and enormous amounts of alcohol. This July 14, pull out a bottle of wine, take off that Robespierre, and run through the streets naked. If you get arrested, just have some fellow revelers storm the prison and set you free.

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