Bastille Day: Test Your French History Knowledge! Trivia Facts Quiz

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Bastille Day: Test Your French History Knowledge! Trivia Facts Quiz - Quiz

Bastille Day is the national day of France, celebrated on 14 of July, which was a turning point of the French Revolution. This day is celebrated to represent the unity of French people and their culture. Bastille Day includes events such as the military parade, dance, parties, fireworks, and communal meals. How much do you know about this popular holiday that falls on July 14? If you want to find out, then take this quiz. All the best!

Questions and Answers

1.

In what country did Bastille Day originate?
- A.
  
  Belgium
- B.
  
  France
- C.
  
  Germany
- D.
  
  Spain
Correct Answer
B. France

Explanation
Bastille Day originated in France. This national holiday is celebrated on July 14th each year to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution in 1789. The event symbolizes the uprising against the monarchy and the beginning of the modern French nation. France is known for its rich history and cultural significance, making it the correct answer for the origin of Bastille Day.

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1
2.

What was the Bastille?
- A.
  
  High-speed train in Madrid
- B.
  
  War memorial in Athens
- C.
  
  Ancient royal prison in Paris
- D.
  
  Sacred ruins in England
Correct Answer
C. Ancient royal prison in Paris

Explanation
The Bastille was an ancient royal prison in Paris. It was originally built as a fortress in the 14th century and later used as a state prison. The prison became a symbol of the monarchy's tyranny and oppression, and its storming on July 14, 1789, marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The event is celebrated as Bastille Day in France.

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3.

The storming of the Bastille was seen as a symbol of what?
- A.
  
  The uprising of the modern French nation
- B.
  
  The surrender of the nation's secret recipes
- C.
  
  The evacuation of people from a terrible storm
- D.
  
  The targeting of illegal aliens
Correct Answer
A. The uprising of the modern French nation

Explanation
The storming of the Bastille was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation. The Bastille was a prison in Paris that represented the oppressive monarchy and its abuse of power. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, by the French revolutionaries marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy. It was a pivotal moment that represented the people's desire for liberty, equality, and the establishment of a new political order. The event became a powerful symbol of the revolution and the birth of a new era in French history.

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4.

Bastille Day happened at the start of what historical event?
- A.
  
  The French-American War
- B.
  
  War of the Roses
- C.
  
  American Revolution
- D.
  
  French Revolution
Correct Answer
D. French Revolution

Explanation
The correct answer is French Revolution. Bastille Day, which is celebrated on July 14th, marks the beginning of the French Revolution. On this day in 1789, the Parisian crowd stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of the monarchy's power and oppression. This event ignited a series of uprisings and political changes that ultimately led to the overthrow of the French monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic. The French Revolution had a profound impact not only on France but also on the course of world history, inspiring other revolutionary movements and shaping political ideologies.

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5.

What year did the storming of the Bastille take place?
- A.
  
  1620
- B.
  
  1711
- C.
  
  1789
- D.
  
  1812
Correct Answer
C. 1789

Explanation
The storming of the Bastille took place in 1789. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and is considered a pivotal moment in history. The Bastille was a fortress-prison in Paris, and its storming by the revolutionaries symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy and the fight for liberty and equality. The event led to widespread unrest and ultimately led to the downfall of the French monarchy.

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6.

Who led the angry mob that stormed the Bastille?
- A.
  
  Georges Jacque Danton
- B.
  
  Governor de Launay
- C.
  
  Louis XVI
- D.
  
  Jacques de Flesselles
Correct Answer
A. Georges Jacque Danton

Explanation
The French statesman Georges Jacques Danton (1759-1794) was a leader during the French Revolution.

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7.

When was Bastille Day declared the French national holiday?
- A.
  
  1800
- B.
  
  1830
- C.
  
  1860
- D.
  
  1880
Correct Answer
D. 1880

Explanation
Bastille Day was declared the French national holiday on July 6, 1880.

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8.

How many prisoners were in the Bastille on July 14, 1789?
- A.
  
  Three
- B.
  
  Seven
- C.
  
  Fourtheen
- D.
  
  Thirty
Correct Answer
B. Seven

Explanation
At the time of the siege in July 1789, there were only seven inmates.

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9.

After the storming of the Bastille, where did Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, flee?
- A.
  
  Versailles
- B.
  
  Notre Dame de Paris
- C.
  
  Montmartre
- D.
  
  Orly
Correct Answer
A. Versailles

Explanation
On July 16, King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, fled to Versailles for refuge.

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10.

Where is Bastille Day celebrated with an impressive parade, festivals, parties, and fireworks?
- A.
  
  Luxembourg Palace
- B.
  
  The Champs Élysées
- C.
  
  Notre Dame Cathedral
- D.
  
  Place Vendome
Correct Answer
B. The Champs Élysées

Explanation
Festivities are held the morning of July 14, the largest on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic.

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11.

Which of the following terms refers to the period prior to the French Revolution?
- A.
  
  Ancien modèle
- B.
  
  Ancien ordre
- C.
  
  Ancien système
- D.
  
  Ancien régime
Correct Answer
D. Ancien régime

Explanation
The term "ancien régime" refers to the period prior to the French Revolution. It was the social and political system in France characterized by absolute monarchy, feudalism, and a rigid social hierarchy. This system was marked by the power and privileges of the aristocracy and clergy, while the common people faced oppression and limited rights. The French Revolution aimed to overthrow this system and establish a more egalitarian society.

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12.

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a royal fortress-prison and a hated symbol of absolutist monarchy. Who were the hapless couple seated on the French throne that fateful day?
- A.
  
  Louis and Marie-Antoinette
- B.
  
  Ferdinand and Isabella
- C.
  
  Henri and Margot
- D.
  
  Francis and Claude
Correct Answer
A. Louis and Marie-Antoinette

Explanation
Louis and Marie-Antoinette were the couple seated on the French throne on the fateful day of the storming of the Bastille. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked a significant event during the French Revolution. The Bastille was seen as a symbol of the oppressive monarchy, and its fall represented the uprising against the absolutist rule. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were the reigning monarchs at the time and their reign was marked by economic crisis and political unrest, which ultimately led to their downfall during the revolution.

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13.

When were the original Bastille fortifications completed?
- A.
  
  1380
- B.
  
  1480
- C.
  
  1580
- D.
  
  1688
Correct Answer
A. 1380

Explanation
The original Bastille fortifications were completed in 1380.

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Current Version
Mar 22, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Nov 10, 2011

Quiz Created by
Djlmg

Bastille Day: Test Your French History Knowledge! Trivia Facts Quiz

In what country did Bastille Day originate?

What was the Bastille?

The storming of the Bastille was seen as a symbol of what?

Bastille Day happened at the start of what historical event?

What year did the storming of the Bastille take place?

Who led the angry mob that stormed the Bastille?

When was Bastille Day declared the French national holiday?

How many prisoners were in the Bastille on July 14, 1789?

After the storming of the Bastille, where did Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, flee?

Where is Bastille Day celebrated with an impressive parade, festivals, parties, and fireworks?

Which of the following terms refers to the period prior to the French Revolution?

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a royal fortress-prison and a hated symbol of absolutist monarchy. Who were the hapless couple seated on the French throne that fateful day?

When were the original Bastille fortifications completed?