Front:
Equality
Fraternity
Repu
1789
French Revolution * USAirmail45
RESHINGTORN
JUL
14
1989
20066
DAStare
DC
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
