Question

What steps did the French revolutionaries take to create a sense of collective identity among the French people?

Answer 1

Instructions:
This is a 5 marks question. There should be at least 5 points here. Start by talking about la patrie and la citoyen. Mention, the French Tricolour and the renamed National Assembly. Talk about the central administrative system and finish with mentioning the importance of the French language.

Solution:

• The ideas of la Patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizens) were introduced, which unified people by giving them equal rights under a constitution.
  
• The French tricolour was chosen as the new flag instead of the former royal standard.
  
• Citizens were allowed to elect members to the Estates-General, which was renamed as the National Assembly.
  
• A central administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens within its territory.
  
• French became the common language as it was written and spoken in the capital city of Paris, and regional languages were discouraged.
  
• A uniform system of weights and measures was introduced and it was followed by the abolition of customs duties and dues.