In 1787, Napoleon and the people of France began to fight what would later be known as “The French Revolution”, it was Napoleon’s rise to power that brought victory. Yet, years later they were back under a monarch, and a revolution started again. Napoleon’s revolution not only brought forth the idea of a revolution, but proof that revolting against a monarch was possible. Looking a Source 1, the first you notice is the flag. The bleu, blanc, et rouge of the flag of France was a rallying point for the revolutionaries. It provided common ground, and something for people to associate with their home. Flags have history of representing their countries, and the French flag was no different, providing a feeling of National pride for whomever saw …show more content…
Lines such as “They are coming into our midst To cut the throats of your sons and consorts”₁ and “To arms citizens”₂ were used to encourage participation of the people of France. Often, songs like these use slander against their enemies, to not only change the opinion of the people, but to provide a sense of superiority over them. It can be assumed at the author believed the monarchs and the “traitors” were of “impure blood”, not true people of France. The author tried to encourage overthrowing the corrupt and evil traitors and conspiratorial kings. He wants the people to escape the “vile chains” the King has put on them, and has no intention “To return to the old slavery”. Looking further down the song, the line “Frenchmen, for us, ah! What outrage” can be seen, and is interpreted as almost scoffing at the idea of those loyal to the king being considered “Frenchmen”. They hold the ideal of what it means to be French very high, and is a very nationalistic point of view. Napoleon released them from their chains, and they are determined to remain free from them. He broke the shackles off, and gave them the will to fight to remain free of those chains. Their tenacious will is what powers the rage and glory in this