Category: History > Metrics
One fascinating connection between the French Revolution and the metric system lies in the revolutionary government's desire to reflect the principles of reason and equality in all aspects of society. In 1790, during the height of revolution and reform, the National Assembly commissioned a new system of measurement that would be universal, simple, and based on natural phenomena rather than arbitrary local standards. This led to the creation of the metric system, which was officially adopted in 1795. The metric system's reliance on decimal units and its standardization made it a powerful tool for scientific advancement and international trade, promoting coherence and efficiency in a world that was previously dominated by a hodgepodge of local measurement systems. Today, the metric system is used by almost every country in the world, a testament to the revolutionary ideals of the late 18th century that continue to influence our lives.