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

2.

What was the Bastille?

High-speed train in Madrid
War memorial in Athens
Ancient royal prison in Paris
Sacred ruins in England

Correct Answer

A. 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.

Rate this question:

3

3.

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

The uprising of the modern French nation
The surrender of the nation's secret recipes
The evacuation of people from a terrible storm
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.

Rate this question:

2

4.

Bastille Day happened at the start of what historical event?

The French-American War
War of the Roses
American Revolution
French Revolution

Correct Answer

A. 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.

Rate this question:

2

5.

What year did the storming of the Bastille take place?

1620
1711
1789
1812

Correct Answer

A. 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.

Rate this question:

2

6.

Who led the angry mob that stormed the Bastille?

Georges Jacque Danton
Governor de Launay
Louis XVI
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.

Rate this question:

2

7.

When was Bastille Day declared the French national holiday?

1800
1830
1860
1880

Correct Answer

A. 1880

Explanation

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

Rate this question:

2

8.

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

Three
Seven
Fourtheen
Thirty

Correct Answer

A. Seven

Explanation

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

Rate this question:

9.

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

Versailles
Notre Dame de Paris
Montmartre
Orly

Correct Answer

A. Versailles

Explanation

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

Rate this question:

2

10.

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

Luxembourg Palace
The Champs Élysées
Notre Dame Cathedral
Place Vendome

Correct Answer

A. 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.

Rate this question:

2

11.

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

Ancien modèle
Ancien ordre
Ancien système
Ancien régime

Correct Answer

A. 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.

Rate this question:

2

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?

Louis and Marie-Antoinette
Ferdinand and Isabella
Henri and Margot
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.

Rate this question:

3

13.

When were the original Bastille fortifications completed?

1380
1480
1580
1688

Correct Answer

A. 1380

Explanation

The original Bastille fortifications were completed in 1380.

Rate this question:

5

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

In what country did Bastille Day originate?

Quiz Preview

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?