Bastille Day
Today marks the 234-year anniversary since the storming of
the Bastille in Paris France in 1789 and one year later in 1790 the unity of
the French people at the Fete de la Federation.
The history of the storming of the Bastille was caused by tensions that
were created between French conservatives and reformists as the country was
struggling to solve the economic crisis that had befallen the country under King
Louis XVI. Parisians feared against the Kings army and foreign mercenaries
hired during that time attacking them as they rallied against the dismissal of
Jacques Necker the King’s finance minister who was sympathetic toward the
people of France and who began to revolt and stormed the Bastille believing it
housed arms and ammo. Upon gaining access they released only a few people in the
prison and seized a small number of weapons within. However, there were only
seven people in the prison and there were limited guns and ammunition held
within the building.
To the French people Bastille Day is their equivalent of
American’s Independence Day of 4th of July, for it is their true
Independence Day. Claude Monet commemorated the French Republic on canvas and
presented it on June 39, 1878, to the officials in Paris as a reminder that it
could happen again. Henri Martin described the reason for Bastille Day best in
1880 when he said, “Whatever difference which might part us, something hovers
over them, it is the great images of national unity, which we all desire, for
which we would all stand, willing to die if necessary.”
Happy Bastille Day to all my friends in France, may you have
a wonderful celebration of strength and unity all the days to come. Viva La
France!
Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a
former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist.
business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride
holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out
of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in
the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is
available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms.
Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet
cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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