Why is bastille day celebrated

Less than three years later, the king and queen's heads would meet the guillotine's blade and the constitutional monarchy was replaced with the First Republic. France has had many days of national celebration, each reflecting the politics of its time. Napoleon I emperor from to declared citizens should celebrate August the date of his name day and of the Assumption of Mary. Another new political regime celebrated itself once again.

In a little less than a century, France changed its national day half a dozen times. The disastrous and humiliating defeat France suffered against Prussia in led to the fall of Napoleon III and the advent of the French Third Republic, which needed its own new symbols. For almost 15 years, there was fierce conflict between partisans of a monarchy and those in favour of a republican regime.

The memory of the French Revolution became one of their main battlegrounds, and the choice of a national day an object of dispute.

Some advocated for July 15, the name day of the last Bourbon pretender, Henri, Count of Chambord, in the hopes of an imminent restoration.

Others wanted to celebrate the Tennis Court Oath, which signalled France's rupture with feudalism on June 20, Thanks to the ambiguity of the date, the motion was passed into law — without specifying which Quatorze Juillet was to be commemorated.

Quatorze Juillet inextricably embodies the curious and divisive legacy the French Revolution carries for the French. It isn't a day for reflection or politics. The French can project their own understanding of what is being celebrated.

Or they can simply enjoy a day off and admire the fireworks with their friends and family, oblivious to the complex story behind July Festival of Social Science — Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in.

Woodcut by Helman, from a picture by C. The procession is made up of military units either on foot, motorised, or in the air, and sometimes invites troops of foreign forces to parade beside the French armies.

This tradition goes back to , when the fire brigade of Montmartre opened its station doors to a small curious group of local people. There, the fire men hosted a lively evening with a gymnastics demonstration and small fireworks. Following the citizens joy, this idea became popular in all the other fire stations. Since then, this festival is an essential part of the day. Subscribe Now. Your Subscription Plan Cancel Subscription. Home India News Entertainment.

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