The impulse imparted to this sentiment by the Revolution was none the less immense.

It added to it the idea of national unity and national territorial integrity.

It extended to all the right of property hitherto reserved to a small number, and thus, so to speak, divided _la patrie_ among the citizens.

While rendering the peasant capable of possessing, the new _regime_ imposed upon him the obligations of defending his actual or potential possessions.
Recourse to arms is a necessity alike for whomsoever acquires or wishes to acquire territory.

Hardly had the Frenchman come to enjoy the rights of a man and of a citizen, hardly had he entered into possession or thought he might enter into possession of a home and lands of his own, when the armies of the Coalition arrived "to drive him back to ancient slavery." Then the patriot became a soldier.
Twenty-three years of warfare, with the inevitable alternations of victories and defeats, built up our fathers in their love of _la patrie_ and their hatred of the foreigner.
Since then, as the result of industrial progress, there have arisen in one country and another, rivalries which are every day growing more bitter.