French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation

Introduction:

The French Revolution was a period of radical political and societal change in France. It ended up with the formation of the French consulate in 1799. Different actions and movements of the French revolution are considered the basic concept of liberal democracy. 

The French revolution was a significant movement in the nationalism of Europe, and it was an attempt by the constitutional monarchy to replace the absolute monarchy. This was a moment that literally made the power transfer, and on the other hand, some selected people in France got the definitive power to rule in a certain way.

Steps that revolutionized the movement

The beginning of the revolution was not that good, and to make people believe in the revolution and also emphasize the values. Different social-political measures were taken to shape the revolution and form unity among the people. 

1. Different attractive ideas such as ‘la Patrie,’ which means the fatherland, and the idea of “le citoyen”(the citizen) were given importance.
2. A New and attractive French flag was designed and made by the body formed by French people, and this replaced the existing standard royal flag.
3. The new French people basically elected the special Estates-General, and it was named the national assembly. Even a special centralized system for administration was adopted. The specially designed hymn was made, and Martyrs moreover glorified. 
4. Equality before the law was also implemented. All the citizens would get uniform laws and would be treated equally. It doesn’t matter if a person is powerful, rich, or poor; he will get an equal opportunity when it comes to law and justice.
5. After the French revolution, French was made the most common language that must be used to interact in France. All the regional dialects and even other languages except French were discouraged. French became the official language and also the national language at the same time. 

Civil Code of 1804

The civil code of 1804 was one of the civil codes that arrived during the French revolution, and Napoleon introduced it. It is also known as the special Napoleonic Code. This code basically meant to implement the principle of equality before the law. Right to property was also a part of this code, and people got special birthrights. Any special privilege that existed before the cold dependence on the birth or the class was abolished entirely, and everyone was treated equally.

Numerous French revolutionaries promoted the civil code, and people appreciated the entire concept of the revolution. The code was meant to impart equality e throughout the nation, and the leaders of France were not happy with the implementation of the code. Hence there was a mixed reaction to the civil code of 1804. 

Visualizing the Nation

The visualization of the nation after the french revolution is very strange. The idea of one nation was unique in the period in France. People were divided, and the rulers were very harsh on the lower sections. There was an unequal division of labor, and also, there was an unequal division of pay. 

The French revolution and the revolutionaries wanted a nation where everyone gets paid equally, and the treatment was not based on caste, color, sex, or gender. 

Regional dialects

The French revolution had a great impact on the regional dialects. Before the revolution, France was not a place where regional dialects were appreciated. But after the French revolution, French became the only official language, and according to the French constitution, it would be compulsory for every French citizen to know this regional dialect. 

In addition to the French language, many regional languages are spoken in two countries. But less than 2% of the National population speaks other such languages. These might include languages spoken in neighboring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. 

Idea of nations

The French revolution was all about the unique idea of a nation by a limited number of leaders and politicians. The main core idea of the revolution was Liberty, equality, and fraternity. 

Before the French revolution took place, people out there were not allowed to enjoy equal rights. Liberty was certain up to a limited number of people, and things were not as one wants in an ideal nation. Moreover, the idea of a nation was not something new, but it was something that a lot of people didn’t want. 

There were many small events in the french revolution. We have mentioned some of them here in the article.

1. THE TENNIS COURT OATH – The famous tennis court oath is one of the major events in the revolution. The Third Estate decided to move to an indoor tennis court, and they also pledged never to get separated until they gave France a separate constitution. 
2. Storming of the Bastille- July 14 is still known for the event. On this day in the year 1789, a state prison on the east side of Paris was attacked by an angry mob. The prison became a special sign for the monarchy’s dictatorial rule. 
3. Abolition of Feudalism- The french revolution revolves greatly around the Abolition of Feudalism. The old rules and taxes were all abolished in the event, and the revolution took a different shape out there. The special  National Assembly abolished feudalism.

There are more critical events in the entire French revolution, but the above-listed ones changed the whole concept once and for all.  The idea of one nation was not very welcomed in France during the early period of the revolution after most of these ideas were greeted by the common people of France. The French revolution is considered one of the most successful revolutions ever seen in the world, and it was one of the miraculous ten years that changed history.

Conclusion

The origins of nationalism in Europe may be traced back to the French Revolution in 1789. The revolution intended to replace France’s then-absolute monarchy with constitutional monarchy and the establishment of a republic. The French people, although a privileged few, now possessed the authority to govern.