Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

The French Revolution of 1789 is considered the first clear expression of nationalism for the following reasons:

1. Transfer of sovereignty: Political changes shifted sovereignty from the monarchy to French citizens. The people were declared the nation, shaping their own destiny.

1. Sense of collective identity: The revolutionaries promoted ideas of la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen), emphasising a united community with equal rights under a constitution.

1. National symbols: A new flag — the tricolour — replaced the royal standard. New hymns were composed, oaths taken, and martyrs commemorated in the nation's name.

1. Uniform laws and administration: A centralised system was established with uniform laws, weights, and measures. Internal customs duties were abolished.

1. Common language: Regional dialects were discouraged; Parisian French became the national language.

1. Spreading nationalism abroad: French armies carried nationalist ideas to Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy in the 1790s, inspiring Jacobin clubs across Europe.

Source: Chapter 1 — The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Section: The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation

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Examiners expect students to cover both internal measures (symbols, uniform laws, language, administration) and the external spread of nationalism. Use the textbook terms like la patrie, le citoyen, and tricolour to score full marks. Avoid writing a general essay — list distinct points clearly. Five points for 5 marks is a safe structure.