What French national anthem originated as a revolutionary song in 1792?

La Marseillaise is the French national anthem that originated as a revolutionary song in 1792.

Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed the song in Strasbourg in April 1792, shortly after France declared war on Austria. It was first called “Chant de guerre pour l'armée du Rhin,” or “War Song for the Army of the Rhine.” Volunteers from Marseille later sang it while marching to Paris, giving the song its enduring name.

Its forceful lyrics call citizens to arms against invading armies and enemies of the Revolution. The National Convention adopted it as France's national anthem in 1795, although it was later suppressed during parts of the nineteenth century before being restored in 1879.

La Marseillaise is often confused with other revolutionary songs such as “Ça Ira” and “La Carmagnole.” Those songs also belonged to the revolutionary culture of the period, but neither became France's official national anthem.