Question

when Did the first clear cut expression of nationalism come in france?

Answer 1

Hi,

The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789.

Answer 2

Nationalism is a feeling of people within a state territory which make them develop a sense of collective identity and share history or descent. This feeling works as a binding force among people to think about the state primarily and denies individualism.
Before 1789, France was under absolute monarchy. With French revolution, Monarch was throne out and a sovereign body of French citizens was established. This revolution made France the nation-state and made many political and constitutional changes like:
- A new french flag was adopted to replace former royal standard.
- The estate general, renamed as General assembly, became an elected body.

- Centralized administration and uniform civil laws were made for citizens.
- Uniform weighing and measurement system was adopted.
- French became the national language of France.
All these changes gives a clear expression of collectivism and gave people true power to shape the destiny of France. Thus France became a nation-state and world got a clear expression of nationalism through the French revolution.