La Marseillaise

La Marseillaise is the national anthem of France, composed in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg under the title "War Song for the Army of the Rhine." It owes its name to the Marseillais federates who sang it while marching on Paris during the Revolution. Adopted as the national anthem in 1795, it was confirmed by Article 2 of the 1958 Constitution. La Marseillaise is performed at official ceremonies, international sporting events, and national commemorations. Knowing of its existence and significance is part of the knowledge expected on the civic exam.