The English-speaking World's Reference to July 14th as Bastille Day

In the English-speaking world, the convention of referring to July 14th as Bastille Day has been a long-standing tradition. This practice can likely be traced back to the early 19th century when the historian Thomas Carlyle used the term in his 1837 work The French Revolution: A History. Carlyle's work clearly referred to July 14th as Bastille Day, a moment that marked a turning point in the French Revolution.

The Reason Behind the Convention

The convention of calling this day Bastille Day is not merely a linguistic habit but a way to understand a historical event that had a profound impact on the global English-speaking consciousness. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was the point of no return in the French Revolution and a pivotal moment—the Anglosphere could relate to it because the Bastille symbolized the absolute power of the monarchy in Paris, much like the Tower of London symbolized regal power in the eyes of the English-speaking world.

The Bastille was a symbol of oppression and tyranny, and its fall was seen as a moment of liberation. For the English-speaking world, it represented the triumph of the people over an oppressive regime. The fort represented a physical and psychological barrier, and its fall was a watershed moment in history. This understanding makes Bastille Day a more accessible and emotionally resonant event compared to the broader chaos of the French Revolution.

Why Not National Day?

The term National Day sounds cumbersome and far too formal for the English-speaking world. In the UK, for example, we generally refer to it simply as Bastille Day. The reason for this is multifaceted. Firstly, the Bastille has become a cultural proxy for the symbolic power and fall of a monarchy. Secondly, the events of the Bastille are more easily digestible for the English-speaking world because they align with the narrative of the common man against the crown, a story that resonates strongly in the cultural history of England and America.

Moreover, the events surrounding the Bastille are often the focal point of what is taught in English-speaking schools and popular culture about the French Revolution. In these narratives, the storming of the Bastille and the guillotine are often depicted as the purest representation of revolutionary fervor, simplifying the more complex and tumultuous events that followed.

The Context in French Canada

Interestingly, in French Canada, July 14 is known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. For me, an American, this change can seem odd, as it disrupts the simple and memorably English name. If we do mention it at all, which is rare in the UK, it is usually referred to as Bastille Day because that is how it was taught to me and how it has been traditionally referred to in the English-speaking world. This practice is common throughout English-speaking countries, and rarely do we hear the alternative names used.

The term "Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day" is significant in French Canada, as it celebrates the feast of Saint John the Baptist and has been an important cultural and political marker for the francophone community in Canada. It serves as a concrete reminder of their language and cultural identity in the broader Canadian landscape.

Conclusion

The use of Bastille Day to refer to July 14th in the English-speaking world is not just a casual tradition but a cultural and historical pointer. The fall of the Bastille represents a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, a symbol of the triumph of the people over an oppressive regime. This understanding makes it more relatable and easier to grasp, a simplification that has been reinforced in our education and popular culture.