The motto of the French Republic

The motto of the French Republic is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" (Liberté, Equalité, Fraternité).

The notions of liberty, equality and fraternity were linked by Fénelon at the end of the 17th century, and the linkage became widespread during the Age of Enlightenment. 

 

At the time of the French Revolution, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was one of the many mottoes in use, but was by no means the only contender as a motto for the revolutionaries. 

 

Robespierre advocated in a speech on the organization of the National Guards (in December 1790) that the words "The French People" and "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" be written on uniforms and flags, but his proposal was rejected.

From 1793 onwards, Parisians painted the following words "Unity, indivisibility of the Republic; liberty, equality or death" on the façades of their houses. This was imitated by the inhabitants of other cities, but they were soon asked to erase the end of the phrase (as it was too closely associated with the Terror).

This motto was inscribed again on the pediments of public buildings on the occasion of the celebration of 14 July 1880.

Although it was often called into question, the familiar motto finally established itself under the Third Republic, and was written into the 1958 Constitution.

It appears explicitly in the constitutions of 1946 and 1958, and may be found on many everyday items - including coins and postage stamps.