Explain the impact of French Revolution on other European countries.

(i) The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789. From the very beginning, the French Revolution introduced various measures and practices that could create a sense of collective identity.

(ii) The revolutionaries further declared that it was the mission and destiny of French nation to liberate the people of Europe from despotism, in other words to help other people of Europe to become nations.

(iii) When the news of the events in France reached the different cities of Europe, Students and other members of educated middle classes began setting up Jacobin clubs.

(iv) The activities and campaigns of educated and inspired middle classes prepared the way for the French armies which moved into Holland, Belgium, Switzerland etc. With the outbreak of the revolutionary wars, the French armies began to carry the idea of nationalism abroad.

(v) Revolutionary principles were incorporated in the administrative field.

(vi) The Napoleonic code was exported to the regions under the French control.