Which Was the First Country to Have a National Anthem?

Today, a country’s anthem represents its identity and unity, and honors its history through song. National anthems are used at official ceremonies, international events, and any time citizens want to express their pride as a nation. National anthems reflect a country’s values and struggles.

However, an officially established national anthem was not common until modern nation-states formed. Traditionally, nations used royal hymns, patriotic songs or military marches instead of having a single defined song to represent them to the world. 

In addition to the rise of modern nationalism, political revolutions resulted in nations using songs that reflected the people’s voice rather than the voice of the country’s leaders. This was a major shift in world history; officially establishing music as a formal expression of national sovereignty and a collective national identity.

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Which Was the First Country to Have a National Anthem?

France is thought of as the first country to use a well-defined national anthem. The anthem “La Marseillaise” or “The Marselleise” was composed in 1792 during part of the French revolution, and was recognized as the official anthem of France in 1795. 

Unlike anthems written for monarchies, it embodies the ideals of the French Revolution, including liberty, equality, and rebelling against tyranny. 

The official recognition of “La Marseillaise” was the first instance in which a country had formally recognized its patriotic song as its national anthem.

Why Is La Marseillaise Considered Revolutionary?

La Marseillaise is born during a period of history characterised by much political transformation, and became a call to arms for the people of France.

 An example is both the lyrics and words of “La Marseillaise” are reflective of the spirit of revolution, as opposed to that of loyalty to a monarch; a significant departure from previously written anthems.

Born During the French Revolution

La Marseillaise was created in 1792 during a period of significant change in France, as a choir song to protest against kings and foreign armies invading France.

The song was meant to show that the French people had taken it upon themselves to protect their country and to honor the sacrifice made by their fellow soldiers.

Voice of the People, Not the Monarchy

Unlike traditional royal hymns which focused on praising Kings and Queens, the national anthem of France was to unite all people and to call for the defense of their nation. 

The lyrics of La Marseillaise contain ideas of freedom, unity, and sacrifice, showing that the anthem was indeed a people's song and not simply a song written in support of a king or queen.

Symbol of Republican and Democratic Ideals

In addition to being an expression of the political beliefs of the French Revolution, La Marseillaise also promoted many of the same ideals as the current modern day democracies around the world, such as liberty, equality, and the right of a country to govern itself independently of outside influence.

Conclusion

La Marseillaise is regarded as a revolutionary work of art because it evolved music into a representation of the democratic principle of popular sovereignty. As a product of the French Revolution, this piece represents the people's voice, promotes democratic ideals, and serves as inspiration for future national movements everywhere.