“The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789". Examine the statement.
- THE political and constitutional changes that came the wake of the French Revolution led to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to a body of French citizens.
- From the very beginning, the French revolutionaries introduced various measures and practices that could create a sense of collective identity among the French people.
- The idea of la Patrie (The fatherland) and le citoyen (The citizen) emphasised the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution.
- A new French flag, the tricolour, was chosen to replace the former Royal standard.
- The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
- New hymns were composed, oaths taken and martyrs commemorated all in the name of the nation.
- A centralised administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens.