French civic exam: the key dates to remember
https://recitecitizen.com/fr/en/civic-exam-key-dates/
Key dates in French history, from 1789 to today
33 dates, all applications
Revolution and Empire
- 1789
The French Revolution begins; Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
- In what year did the French Revolution begin?
- In what year was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen written?
- What is the founding text that sets out the rights and duties of every citizen in France?
- What is the founding text setting out the rights and duties of every citizen?
- Which text states that all men are born free and equal in rights?
- 1792
The Republic is established
- 1804
Napoleon I becomes emperor
19th century and Third Republic
- 1848
Slavery is abolished for good
- 1881
State schools become free
- 1889
World’s Fair: the Eiffel Tower is built
- 1 July 1901
Law on freedom of association
- 1905
Law separating the Churches and the State, the basis of laïcité
The two world wars
- 1914–1918
- 11 November 1918
Armistice ending the First World War
- 1939–1945
Second World War
- 18 June 1940
General de Gaulle’s call to resistance
- 1944
Women win the right to vote; the Normandy landings
- 25 August 1944
Liberation of Paris
- 8 May 1945
Allied victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe
Post-war and Fifth Republic
- 1945
- 1958
Constitution of the Fifth Republic
- 1962
The president is elected by direct universal suffrage
- 1975
Veil law: abortion is legalised
- 1981
The death penalty is abolished
Building Europe
- 1951
The ECSC, the first step in building Europe
- 1957
The European Economic Community (EEC) is created
- 1992
Maastricht Treaty: the European Union and European citizenship are founded
- 2002
The euro (coins and notes) becomes France’s currency
- 2013
Croatia joins the European Union
- 2020
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union
Recent landmarks
- 2011
Mayotte becomes the 101st département
- 2019
Fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris
Fixed dates of the year
- 1 May
Labour Day
- 9 May
- 14 July
National day, marking the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790)
- What does the date of 14 July correspond to?
- What is the date of the French national holiday?
- What is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées on 14 July to celebrate the national holiday?
- What is celebrated on 14 July?
- Which celebration is French?
- What does the national holiday commemorate?
- What does the date of 14 July mean for the French?
- 9 December
Secularism day, anniversary of the 1905 law
- 25 December
Christmas
Close dates not to mix up
8 MayAllied victory, end of the war in Europe (1945)
≠9 MayEurope Day
1789The French Revolution begins
≠1792The Republic is established
1944Women win the right to vote
≠1945Social security is created
1958Constitution of the Fifth Republic
≠1962Direct election of the president
1992Maastricht Treaty, founding of the European Union
≠2002The euro becomes France’s currency
Test yourself: 10 date questions
Questions from all three lists. No account needed.
In what year did the French Revolution begin?
In French: En quelle année a débuté la Révolution française ?
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The correct answer: In 1789
The French Revolution began in 1789. On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille.
See the official question and its explanationWhat political system was established during the French Revolution in 1792?
In French: Quel régime politique a été mis en place pendant la Révolution française en 1792 ?
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The correct answer: The Republic
In September 1792, the monarchy was abolished and the First Republic was proclaimed.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year did Napoleon I become emperor?
In French: En quelle année Napoléon Ier est-il devenu empereur ?
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The correct answer: In 1804
Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed emperor in May 1804 and crowned on 2 December 1804 at Notre-Dame de Paris.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was slavery definitively abolished in France?
In French: En quelle année l'esclavage a-t-il été aboli définitivement en France ?
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The correct answer: In 1848
Slavery was definitively abolished in France and its colonies in 1848, thanks in particular to Victor Schœlcher.
See the official question and its explanationSince what year have state schools been free?
In French: Depuis quelle année l'école publique est-elle gratuite ?
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The correct answer: Since 1881
The law of 16 June 1881, proposed by Jules Ferry, made public primary school free.
See the official question and its explanationFor what occasion was the Eiffel Tower built?
In French: À quelle occasion a été construite la Tour Eiffel ?
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The correct answer: For the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition universelle)
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, which also celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution.
See the official question and its explanationFreedom of association is:
In French: La liberté d'association est :
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The correct answer: A fundamental freedom governed by the law of 1 July 1901
Under the 1901 law, anyone, French or foreign, can today freely create or join an association, without authorisation.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the law on the separation of the Churches and the State passed?
In French: En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'État a-t-elle été votée ?
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The correct answer: 1905
The law separating the Churches and the State was passed in 1905 (law of 9 December 1905).
See the official question and its explanationWhen did the First World War take place?
In French: Quand a eu lieu la Première Guerre mondiale ?
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The correct answer: From 1914 to 1918
The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918. It ended with the armistice of 11 November 1918.
See the official question and its explanation11 November is a public holiday. What does this date correspond to?
In French: Le 11 novembre est un jour férié. À quoi correspond cette date ?
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The correct answer: The armistice of the First World War, in 1918
On 11 November 1918, the armistice ended the fighting of the First World War. This day honours all those who died for France.
See the official question and its explanationWhen did the Second World War take place?
In French: Quand a eu lieu la Seconde Guerre mondiale ?
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The correct answer: From 1939 to 1945
The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. In Europe, it ended on 8 May 1945.
See the official question and its explanationWhen did General de Gaulle make his appeal to resist?
In French: De quand date l'appel à la résistance du général de Gaulle ?
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The correct answer: 18 June 1940
On 18 June 1940, from London, General de Gaulle called on the French by radio to continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
See the official question and its explanationWhat changed for women in 1944?
In French: En 1944, qu'est-ce qui a changé pour les femmes ?
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The correct answer: They gained the right to vote
The ordinance of 21 April 1944 gave women the right to vote and to stand for election. They voted for the first time in 1945.
See the official question and its explanationDuring the Second World War, on what date was Paris liberated?
In French: Lors de la seconde guerre mondiale, à quelle date la ville de Paris a-t-elle été libérée ?
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The correct answer: 25 August 1944
Paris was liberated on 25 August 1944 by the Resistance, General Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division and the Allies.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is celebrated on 8 May?
In French: Que fête-t-on le 8 mai ?
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The correct answer: The Allied victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe
On 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered. On this day, France celebrates the Allied victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
See the official question and its explanationWhen was social security (sécurité sociale) established in France?
In French: Quand la sécurité sociale a-t-elle été établie en France ?
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The correct answer: In 1945
Social security was created by the ordinances of October 1945, just after the Second World War.
See the official question and its explanationWhen does the Constitution of the Fifth Republic date from?
In French: De quand date la Constitution de la Ve République ?
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The correct answer: 1958
The Constitution of the Fifth Republic was adopted by referendum and promulgated on 4 October 1958.
See the official question and its explanationSince when have the French elected the President of the Republic by direct universal suffrage?
In French: Depuis quand les Français élisent-ils le président de la République au suffrage universel direct ?
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The correct answer: Since 1962
Since the reform approved by referendum in 1962, the president has been elected by direct universal suffrage. The first such election took place in 1965.
See the official question and its explanationSimone Veil is an important figure in French history. Among other things, she:
In French: Simone Veil est une figure importante de l’histoire française. Elle a notamment :
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The correct answer: Had the 1975 law allowing voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) passed
As Minister of Health, Simone Veil had the 1975 abortion law passed. An Auschwitz survivor, she was also the first president of the elected European Parliament, in 1979. She has rested in the Panthéon since 2018.
See the official question and its explanationWhich penalty was abolished in 1981?
In French: Quelle peine a été supprimée en 1981 ?
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The correct answer: The death penalty
The law of 9 October 1981 abolished the death penalty in France. Since 2007, this ban has been written into the Constitution.
See the official question and its explanationWhat was the first step in building Europe, in 1951?
In French: Quelle est la première étape de la construction européenne en 1951 ?
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The correct answer: The creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
In 1951, six countries, including France, created the ECSC to pool coal and steel. It was the first step in building Europe.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the European Economic Community (EEC) created?
In French: En quelle année a été créée la Communauté Économique Européenne (CEE) ?
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The correct answer: In 1957
The EEC was created by the Treaty of Rome, signed on 25 March 1957 by six countries, including France.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the Maastricht Treaty, which marks the founding of the European Union, signed?
In French: En quelle année le traité de Maastricht, qui marque la fondation de l'Union européenne, a-t-il été signé ?
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The correct answer: 1992
The Maastricht Treaty was signed on 7 February 1992. It entered into force on 1 November 1993.
See the official question and its explanationSince when has the euro been the single currency?
In French: Depuis quand l'euro est-elle la monnaie unique ?
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The correct answer: Since 2002, with coins and banknotes
Euro coins and notes have been in circulation since 1 January 2002. The euro already existed from 1999 for banks and accounts.
See the official question and its explanationWhich was the last state to join the European Union, in 2013?
In French: Quel est le dernier État à avoir intégré l’Union Européenne en 2013 ?
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The correct answer: Croatia
Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013. It is the last country to have joined. Poland joined in 2004, Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.
See the official question and its explanationWhich state left the European Union in 2020?
In French: Quel État a quitté l'Union européenne en 2020 ?
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The correct answer: The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This is "Brexit".
See the official question and its explanationWhich has been France’s 101st department since 2011?
In French: Quel est le 101ème département français depuis 2011 ?
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The correct answer: Mayotte
Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean, became the 101st French department on 31 March 2011.
See the official question and its explanationWhich famous cathedral was partly destroyed by fire in 2019?
In French: Quelle cathédrale célèbre a été en partie détruite par un incendie en 2019 ?
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The correct answer: Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
On 15 April 2019, a fire destroyed the roof and spire of Notre-Dame de Paris. After restoration, the cathedral reopened in December 2024.
See the official question and its explanationWhat does 1 May symbolise?
In French: Que symbolise le 1er mai ?
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The correct answer: Labour Day and workers’ rights
1 May is Labour Day. It is a public holiday off work, often marked by trade union marches.
See the official question and its explanationWhen is Europe Day celebrated?
In French: Quand célèbre-t-on la journée de l'Europe ?
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The correct answer: 9 May
Europe Day is 9 May. It commemorates Robert Schuman's declaration of 9 May 1950.
See the official question and its explanationWhat does the date of 14 July correspond to?
In French: À quoi correspond la date du 14 juillet ?
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The correct answer: The French national holiday
Since the law of 1880, 14 July has been the national holiday. It recalls the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790).
See the official question and its explanationOn what day is secularism (laïcité) officially celebrated in France?
In French: Quel jour célèbre-t-on officiellement la laïcité en France ?
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The correct answer: 9 December
Secularism is celebrated on 9 December, the anniversary of the law of 9 December 1905 separating the Churches and the State.
See the official question and its explanationWhen is Christmas celebrated?
In French: Quand célèbre-t-on Noël ?
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The correct answer: 25 December
Christmas is celebrated on 25 December. It is a public holiday in France.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen written?
In French: De quelle année date la Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen ?
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The correct answer: 1789
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted on 26 August 1789, during the French Revolution.
See the official question and its explanationSince when has slavery been abolished in France?
In French: Depuis quand l'esclavage a-t-il été aboli en France ?
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The correct answer: Since 1848
Slavery was definitively abolished in France by the decree of 27 April 1848, on the initiative of Victor Schœlcher.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the law on the separation of the Churches and the State passed?
In French: En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'Etat a-t-elle été votée ?
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The correct answer: 1905
The law separating the Churches and the State dates from 9 December 1905. It is the foundation of secularism.
See the official question and its explanationWhich war took place between 1914 and 1918?
In French: Quelle guerre a eu lieu entre 1914 et 1918 ?
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The correct answer: The First World War
The First World War, also called the 'Great War', took place from 1914 to 1918.
See the official question and its explanationWhere did the 1944 landings take place?
In French: Où a eu lieu le débarquement en 1944 ?
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The correct answer: In Normandy
On 6 June 1944, the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy. It was the beginning of the liberation of France.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is celebrated on 8 May?
In French: Que célèbre-t-on le 8 mai ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The Allied victory in 1945 and the end of the war in Europe
On 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered. This public holiday celebrates the Allied victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
See the official question and its explanationWhich international organisation was created in 1945, after the Second World War?
In French: Quelle organisation internationale a été créée en 1945 après la Seconde Guerre mondiale ?
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The correct answer: The United Nations (UN)
The UN was created in 1945 to maintain world peace. France is a permanent member of its Security Council.
See the official question and its explanationWhy is the year 1958 important for France?
In French: Pourquoi l’année 1958 est importante pour la France ?
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The correct answer: It saw the birth of the Fifth Republic
The Constitution of the Fifth Republic was adopted by referendum and then promulgated on 4 October 1958. It is still in force.
See the official question and its explanationThe death penalty is:
In French: La peine de mort est :
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The correct answer: abolished in France since 1981
The death penalty was abolished by the law of 9 October 1981. Since 2007, the Constitution states that no one may be sentenced to death.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was European citizenship created?
In French: En quelle année la citoyenneté européenne a-t-elle été créée ?
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The correct answer: In 1992
European citizenship was created by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992. Every citizen of an EU country has it.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year did the euro become the currency used in France?
In French: En quelle année l'euro est-elle devenue la monnaie utilisée en France ?
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The correct answer: In 2002
Euro coins and banknotes have been used in France since 1 January 2002. The euro replaced the franc.
See the official question and its explanationWhen is Europe Day celebrated?
In French: Quand est célébrée la journée de l'Europe ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: 9 May
9 May recalls Robert Schuman's declaration of 9 May 1950, the starting point of European integration.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is the date of the French national holiday?
In French: Quelle est la date de la fête nationale française ?
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The correct answer: 14 July
The law of 1880 made 14 July the national holiday of France.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is the founding text that sets out the rights and duties of every citizen in France?
In French: Quel est le texte fondateur établissant en France les droits et les devoirs de chaque citoyen ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
The 1789 Declaration is the founding text of citizens' rights and duties. It is part of the current Constitution.
See the official question and its explanationWhat does the 1905 law say?
In French: Que dit la loi de 1905 ?
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The correct answer: It separates the Churches and the State
The 1905 law guarantees freedom of conscience and separates the Churches and the State: the Republic does not recognise, pay or subsidise any religion.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year did the First World War begin?
In French: En quelle année a commencé la Première Guerre mondiale ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: In 1914
The First World War began in 1914, in August for France, and ended in 1918.
See the official question and its explanationWhich organisation was created in 1945, after the Second World War?
In French: Quelle organisation a été créée en 1945 après la Seconde Guerre mondiale ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The United Nations (UN)
The UN was created in 1945 to maintain world peace. France is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year was the European Union founded?
In French: En quelle année l'Union européenne a-t-elle été fondée?
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The correct answer: 1992
The European Union was created by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992. It took over from the European Economic Community created in 1957.
See the official question and its explanationIn what year did the euro become France’s official currency?
In French: En quelle année l'euro est-il devenu la monnaie officielle de la France ?
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The correct answer: In 2002
Euro coins and banknotes arrived in France on 1 January 2002. They replaced the franc.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées on 14 July to celebrate the national holiday?
In French: Qu'est ce qui est traditionnellement organisé sur les Champs Élysées le 14 juillet pour célébrer la fête nationale ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: A military parade
Every 14 July, a large military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées, in front of the President of the Republic.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is the founding text setting out the rights and duties of every citizen?
In French: Quel est le texte fondateur établissant les droits et les devoirs de chaque citoyen ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789
The 1789 Declaration proclaims the rights of man and aims to remind all citizens of "their rights and their duties".
See the official question and its explanationWhich text is considered the founding text of secularism (laïcité)?
In French: Quel texte est considéré comme le texte fondateur de la laïcité ?
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The correct answer: The law of 9 December 1905
The law of 9 December 1905 is the founding text of secularism. It ended the Concordat of 1801.
See the official question and its explanationWhat is celebrated on 14 July?
In French: Que célèbre-t-on le 14 juillet ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille
14 July is the national holiday. It recalls the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Festival of the Federation in 1790.
See the official question and its explanationWhich text states that all men are born free and equal in rights?
In French: Quel texte affirme que tous les hommes naissent libres et égaux en droits ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789
Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration states: "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."
See the official question and its explanationWhich celebration is French?
In French: Quelle fête est française ?
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The correct answer: The national holiday on 14 July
14 July has been France’s national holiday since 1880. Thanksgiving and 4 July are American, and Oktoberfest is German.
See the official question and its explanationWhat does the national holiday commemorate?
In French: Que commémore la fête nationale ?
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The correct answer: The storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790)
14 July recalls the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Festival of the Federation in 1790, a symbol of national unity.
See the official question and its explanationWhat does the date of 14 July mean for the French?
In French: Que signifie la date du 14 juillet pour les Français ?
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The correct answer: It is the national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille
14 July has been the national holiday since 1880. It recalls the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.
See the official question and its explanation
Sources
The questions come from the official lists of the French Ministry of the Interior (formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr and immigration.interieur.gouv.fr). The answer options, answers, English translations and explanations are written by Recite.
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