The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, symbols, and reforms introduced during the French Revolution to foster national identity.

French Revolution (1789)

The event that provided the first clear expression of nationalism and led to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to a body of French citizens.

la patrie

A concept meaning 'the fatherland,' which emphasized the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution.

le citoyen

A concept meaning 'the citizen,' which emphasized the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution.

Tricolour

The new French flag chosen to replace the former royal standard during the revolution.

National Assembly

The body formerly known as the Estates General, which was renamed after being elected by a body of active citizens.

Centralised administrative system

The system put in place by revolutionaries to formulate uniform laws for all citizens within French territory.

Internal customs duties and dues

Economic barriers that were abolished by the revolutionaries to create a more unified nation.

Uniform system of weights and measures

A standardized system adopted across France to replace varied regional measurement methods.

Regional dialects

Local variations of speech that were discouraged in favor of French, as spoken and written in Paris, to create a common national language.

Despotism

The form of rule from which the French nation declared it was its mission and destiny to liberate the peoples of Europe.

Jacobin clubs

Activity groups set up by students and educated middle classes across Europe to support revolutionary ideas and prepare the way for French armies.