The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution.

The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, was a period of intense political and social upheaval in France. It marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy to the people, and it brought about a wave of nationalism that had not been seen before.

Context:
Before the French Revolution, Europe was largely dominated by monarchies and absolute rulers who held power over their respective nations. The idea of a nation-state, in which a group of people shared a common language, culture, and history, was not yet fully developed. Loyalty and allegiance were primarily given to the ruling monarch, rather than to the nation as a whole.

Impact of the French Revolution:
1. Overthrow of the Monarchy: The French Revolution led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in France. The revolutionaries sought to establish a new system of government based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This shift in power from the monarchy to the people encouraged a sense of unity and shared purpose among the French citizens.

2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: The French Revolution also witnessed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, a revolutionary document that proclaimed the principles of individual rights and popular sovereignty. It stated that all men were born free and equal and had the right to participate in government. This declaration emphasized the idea of a nation based on the will of the people.

3. Rise of Nationalism: The French Revolution sparked a surge of nationalism among the French people. The revolutionaries aimed to create a nation-state where sovereignty resided in the people rather than the monarchy. This idea of a united nation, governed by the people, fostered a sense of national identity and pride.

4. Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The ideals and principles of the French Revolution spread beyond France's borders, inspiring nationalist movements in other parts of Europe. The French revolutionary ideas, such as liberty, equality, and nationalism, became powerful forces that challenged the existing monarchies and led to the rise of nationalist sentiments across the continent.

Conclusion:
The French Revolution marked a turning point in European history, as it brought about the first clear expression of nationalism. The revolutionaries' emphasis on the sovereignty of the people and the establishment of a nation-state based on shared values and ideals laid the foundation for the development of modern nationalism.