Holidays and Observances | What Is Bastille Day?

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.

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