Is French Patriotism waning?

 The origin of French nationalism and French patriotism is thought to have begun with Joan of Arc who fought for France and always addressed her supporters as “Frenchmen”. French nationalism rose as a movement after the French Revolution in 1789.  It was Napoleon Bonaparte who promoted French nationalism based upon the ideals of the French Revolution such as the ideal of  the French slogan ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’. It was Napoleon who justified French expansionism and French military campaigns on the claim that France had the right to spread the enlightened ideals of the French Revolution across Europe.

French nationalism from the 19th to early 20th century took on an assertive and extreme patriotism that supported military force to achieve its political goals. French national pride was however damaged in World War 1 by the long, drawn out war with Germany fought on its soil and this was compounded in World War II when the French government surrendered to Germany in 1940; and after France lost many of its colonies due to decolonization after World War II.

The war hero of Free France Charles de Gaulle became President of France and sought to resurrect national pride.

I have been observing the French for over ten years and there are signs that their strong patriotic views are cracking, just very slightly. Ten years ago the French were a very patriotic race, they were the best nation in the world, they lived in the best country, ate the best food, were governed by the best leaders and had the best ideals.

Why now, are the French becoming more cynical of ‘France is best’ view? Is the internet to blame, as it offers a different more global view?, partly yes.

But there has to be more to it….In the past on Bastille Day, 14th July, all of the houses, streets, town squares would be covered in French flags as a celebration of French patriotism… not any more, why?

One argument could be that if you act patriotic these days, then people will think you support the extreme right, and whilst there are an increasing number of French supporting far right groups such as The Front National no one wants to be seen as being this far right. It’s a valid argument, as many right-wing politicians try to arouse patriotism amongst their political constituents, much more so than any other political group here. So perhaps it is a reason why many are reluctant to be thought of as patriotic for fear of being associated with these groups.

There is no doubt that the French want to hang on to their patriotical heritage but it is becoming increasing difficult. It is therefore no surprise that both of my children have recently had lessons at school about the importance of France, what is stands for and the national slogan,’liberty, equality and fraternity’.