Why are the American and French revolutions considered early expressions of modern nationalism?

The American and French revolutions are considered the first powerful manifestations of modern political nationalism because they shifted the basis of governmental legitimacy from the divine right of kings to the popular sovereignty of the people.123

These revolutions transformed the concept of the nation-state by asserting that a government’s authority is derived from the social contract and the consent of the governed. Key factors include:23

• Liberal and Humanitarian Ideals: Both movements were rooted in 18th-century political philosophy, emphasizing individual rights, liberty, and equality. They viewed the nation as a community of citizens rather than subjects of a monarch.342
• Institutionalization: The American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen codified these principles, establishing a framework where the nation was embodied in an organized state.253
• Dynamic Vitality: By rejecting traditional hierarchies and privileges, these revolutions created a new political culture that mobilized the population, making nationalism a primary factor in shaping modern history.536

While earlier nationalist sentiments existed, these revolutions successfully integrated these ideas into the structure of the modern state, setting a precedent for future national movements globally.146