On July 14, 1789, a crowd of angry citizens stormed the Bastille, a fortress prison they saw as a symbol of the aristocracy's oppressing the people of Paris. That assault began the French Revolution and marked the beginning of the end of an empire for King Louis XVI. Bastille Day was declared a national holiday of France in 1880. Today, France still celebrates its independence from tyranny on July 14.
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- Wikipedia: Bastille Day Crowd-sourced encyclopedia article includes the definition, history, and a timeline of the French Revolution.
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen List of the 17 articles that were approved by the National Assembly of France after the storming. Includes footnote on the writer and his friendship and admiration of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
- About.com French: Bastille Day Information on the storming, the national flag that ensued from that, and subsequent history. Includes links to more information.
- Bastille Day Chicago News and information about the annual celebration which includes music, waiter's race and petanque games.
- Bastille Day 5K/8K Run/Walk Annual evening event, including a post-race party, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Raises funds for the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.
- New Orleans Bastille Day Celebrations Information including details about the French culture, food and activities.
- Epicurious.com: Bastille Day Recipes to help celebrate the holiday.
- La Marseillaise, 1972 French National Anthem that was banned because of its revolutionary association. Includes French and English words, plus downloadable audio.