By MAX COLCHESTER [The Wall Street Journal] – In 1880, following a stinging defeat at the hands of the Prussians, French politicians decided to create a day of national celebration to boost morale.
There was debate over which date to pick. The storming of the Bastille prison in July 1789 was a bloody affair at the start of the French Revolution. However fêting the beginning of a brutal popular uprising was deemed too controversial by some. As a result, politicians plumped for July 14, 1790, a date when people from all over France came together to celebrate the creation of a short-lived constitutional monarchy.
“That day no one can say that a drop of blood was spilt, or that there was any division amongst the country,” concluded French Senator Henri Martin in an 1880 speech. “It was the total unity of France.” The Marseillaise was selected as the official French national anthem and a republican tradition was born.
At first, Bastille Day had to compete with other national days of celebration, notably Joan of Arc Day and May Day. However, July 14 got a boost after it was banned following France’s invasion by Germany during World War II, says Mr. Ihl. After the country’s liberation, Bastille Day again became a symbol of French resistance and pride.
Politicians were quick to harness the event to serve their own needs.
Continued at The Wall Street Journal | More Chronicles & Notices.
