The French Revolution

Front:
Equality Fraternity 1789 French Revolution * USAirmail45 SHINGTON JUL 14 1989 20066 DAStare

Back:
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION First Day of Issue: July 14, 1989 First Issue Location: Washington, D.C. The French Revolution was started by the French aristoc- racy, which wanted to bend the monarchy to its own will. However, the nobility sought only to improve its own position. It had little concern for the welfare of the common people. Soon, a movement made up of com- moners rose against the entire privileged class. This movement held forth hope for a democratic administra- tion that would be free of the political bigotry and corruption that poisoned the old regime. These people stormed the Bastille, a Parisian prison, on July 14, 1789. A hated symbol of the oppression of the French people, the Bastille was conquered, and the following day, the people began to demolish the prison. To this day, the fall of the Bastille is commemorated in France with the same patriotism Americans impart on Independence Day cele- brations in the United States. Fittingly, the stamp featured on this Maximum Card was issued on Bastille Day in Washington, D.C. in honor of the 200th anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. No. 89-20 ©1989 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by David Stone