1. Factors that shaped nationalism
The French Revolution
Factors that shaped nationalism

2. Historical Factors Storming of the Bastille
Captured a people’s collective imagination
Inspired them to take action
Collective consciousness – awareness as a defining moment in the history of France
« We are a nation. We can govern ourselves. »
Symbolic importance

3. Discussion
The fact that the Bastille contained no political prisoners at that time has not affected its status as a symbol of French nationalism. Does this matter?
What aspects of the storming of the Bastille made this event so important?

4. Social Factors Relationship among people in a society
Strict social order defined by birth
Three estates
Privileges
France – cultural centre of Europe - salons
Growing middle class
Revolutions in Britain and the United States

5. Political cartoon What statement does this cartoon make about French
society?

6. Economic factors Economic chaos Financing wars Unfair taxation system
Britain
United States
Unfair taxation
system
Failure of Estates-General
National Assembly and Tennis Court Oath (act of defiance)

7. Tennis Court Oath
What elements in this painting of the scene might be designed to inspire a sense of nationalism?

8. Geographic Factors Severe weather Cold winter Floods and drought
Flour shortage – inflation
Riots
Marie-Antoinette – Austrian
Gap between rich and poor

9. Question??
Is armed rebellion justified when people believe that government actions are causing hardships?

10. Political Factors National Assembly
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Abolished privileges
Established French secular Republic
Basis of constitution
Fear in other European countries
French royalists try to restore monarch’s power
Do you think these actions would have weakened or strengthened French nationalism? Why?

11. Political Factors
Revolution becomes violent – Reign of Terror (fearing opposition)
Rise of Napoleon
Instability
Napoleon emerges as a leader who united the French
Inspirational leader
Brutal dictator