<P> Likewise in Switzerland the long - term impact of the French Revolution has been assessed by Martin: </P> <Dl> <Dd> It proclaimed the equality of citizens before the law, equality of languages, freedom of thought and faith; it created a Swiss citizenship, basis of our modern nationality, and the separation of powers, of which the old regime had no conception; it suppressed internal tariffs and other economic restraints; it unified weights and measures, reformed civil and penal law, authorized mixed marriages (between Catholics and Protestants), suppressed torture and improved justice; it developed education and public works . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> It proclaimed the equality of citizens before the law, equality of languages, freedom of thought and faith; it created a Swiss citizenship, basis of our modern nationality, and the separation of powers, of which the old regime had no conception; it suppressed internal tariffs and other economic restraints; it unified weights and measures, reformed civil and penal law, authorized mixed marriages (between Catholics and Protestants), suppressed torture and improved justice; it developed education and public works . </Dd> <P> The greatest impact came in France itself . In addition to effects similar to those in Italy and Switzerland, France saw the introduction of the principle of legal equality, and the downgrading of the once powerful and rich Catholic Church to just a bureau controlled by the government . Power became centralized in Paris, with its strong bureaucracy and an army supplied by conscripting all young men . French politics were permanently polarized--new names were given,' left' and' right' for the supporters and opponents of the principles of the Revolution . </P>

The impact of the french revolution on the world