What steps did the French revolutionary take to create a sense of collective identity among the French people? Or When did the first clear cut expression of the nationalism come in France? How did the French Revolution lead to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to a body of French citizens? Explain any four measures taken by the French revolutionaries. Or Analyze the measures and practices introduced by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

The first clear cut expression of the nationalism came in the French with the French revolution 1789. To make the revolution a success it was very important to install a sense of utility in every citizen.

To achieve it, various measures and practices were followed –

(i) The idea of la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) emphasized the nation of the united community enjoying the equal rights under a Constitution. A new French Flag, the tricolour, was chosen to replace the farmer royal standard.

(ii) The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and new hymns were composed, oaths taken and martyrs commemorated, all in the name of the nation.

(iii) They established a centralized administrative system, which formulated uniform laws for all citizens. Internal custom duties and dues were abolished and a uniform system of weights and measures was adopted.

(iv) French language was promoted above all the regional languages.