The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It marked the end of the Bourbon monarchy and the beginning of the French Republic. The French flag during this period underwent several changes, reflecting the turbulent nature of the revolution.
The First French Flag
The first French flag during the revolution was the tricolor, which was adopted on July 14, 1789, the same day the Bastille was stormed. The tricolor was a combination of the royal colors of France, red and blue, with the color of Paris, white.
The tricolor quickly became a symbol of the revolution and was flown by revolutionaries throughout France. It was also flown by French troops during the Napoleonic Wars and eventually became the official flag of France.
The Second French Flag
The second French flag during the revolution was the "tricolor with the arms," which was adopted on October 24, 1790. This flag featured the tricolor with the addition of the French coat of arms in the center.
The "tricolor with the arms" was intended to represent the new French nation and its values. However, it was unpopular with many revolutionaries who saw it as a symbol of the old regime. It was eventually replaced by the original tricolor.
The Third French Flag
The third French flag during the revolution was the "tricolor with the sans-culottes," which was adopted in 1792. This flag featured the tricolor with a Phrygian cap, which was a symbol of the radical Jacobin faction of the revolution known as the sans-culottes.
The "tricolor with the sans-culottes" was intended to represent the radical ideals of the revolution, including liberty, equality, and fraternity. It was flown by French troops during the early years of the revolution but was eventually replaced by the original tricolor.
The Fourth French Flag
The fourth French flag during the revolution was the "tricolor with the eagle," which was adopted in 1794. This flag featured the tricolor with a golden eagle in the center, which was a symbol of the Napoleonic Empire.
The "tricolor with the eagle" was intended to represent the new French Empire and its military might. It was flown by French troops during the Napoleonic Wars but was eventually replaced by the original tricolor.
Conclusion
The French flag during the revolution underwent several changes, reflecting the turbulent nature of the period. The tricolor, which was adopted on July 14, 1789, remains the official flag of France to this day.