divulgences from the depths of new york

There are some Irish traits that I cling to as my own – mostly those that would have me talking beyond anyone else, wanting to be heard, drinking, and singing – you know the standard stuff. And as much of an Ol’ Sod traditionalist as I am that way, I have always felt a certain affinity for the French during the revolution – perhaps it is the idea of rioting in the streets that piques similarities between the countries and their history. Whatever the case, and I feel sheepish admitting it, Les Misérables has long been my favorite novel, and along with the writings of Molière, it propelled me to learn the language myself. La liberté, l’Egalité, la Fraternité! Fête de la Fédération!

On July 14th the French celebrate Bastille Day. This day marks the end of monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution.  Several factors led to the Revolution. France had the largest population in Europe and not nearly enough food to feed it. The wealthy and growing bourgeoisie (the middle-class, merchants and businessmen) were allowed no political input or power, and the poor were in a bad situation that was getting worse. Basically, the country was nearing bankruptcy. By the late 1780’s the people of France were fed up and began speaking out – assemblies were held and demands of a constitution were made. There was literally rioting in the streets. When King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, tried to quiet the unrest the people rebelled.

On July 14, 1789 the masses banded together and stormed the Bastille prison, because it was a symbol of the corrupt political system. This began the Revolution. The following year on July 14th delegates from all regions of the France gathered in Paris to celebrate the Fête de la Fédération and proclaim their allegiance to one national community. This ultimately made France a paragon for the rest of Europe and established them a nation of liberty.

The French Declaration of 1789 is not simply a copy of the American Declaration of Independence; it takes as a starting point the reflections of the philosophy of the Enlightenment and in particular of authors like Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau.

The Revolution led to the tricolor flag of blue, red, and white. Blue and red are the colors of Paris and white is the color of royalty.

Happy Bastille Day, everyone. Célébrez l’occasion de Bastille Day avec joie et fierté.