Why do both Chinese and French choose a song with such a theme to be the national anthem?

1. What is the common theme of both anthems?

   
   

2. What is the historical background?

Are there any similar words that appear in the lyrics?

See:

Bloody, roar, soldiers, comrades, march

Common themes

• Sacrifice

• Glory

• War/battle

• A cry for bravery

• Revolution against tyranny

• Danger (dark times)

• Nationalism

• Honor

Historical background

• France declared war on Russia

• China was invaded by Japan

• Both were dealing with conflict and used the songs (later on national anthems) as a way to evoke hope and bravery into the hearts of the soldiers and people

• Both were to overthrow their enemies

• Both were trying to fight against invasion and their respective enemies

• The songs (anthems) were used to honor and acknowledge those who sacrificed and fought for a greater cause

Arise = 起來

To cut the throats of your sons = 每個人被逼發出最後的吼聲

Let’s march = 前進

The common theme of both anthems is revolution. Both anthems mention marching, soldiers, battles, blood, the collective strength of citizens.

This is because the Chinese started the Chinese Communist Revolution of overthrowing the Qing dynasty while the French started the French revolution of overthrowing Louis

XVI

Common theme :

Unity

Love for the country

War / battle

Fighting

Justice

Historical background :

China was once ruled by the Qing dynasty, after the revolution, it became a communist country