Wielka Rewolucja Francuska oraz Rewolucja Październikowa a toponimy. Polityka a toponimia

Abstract

The names of the settlements in Gaul, changed by the Romans along with their conquest of the land, have been used to show the political function of toponyms. Adaptation of name forms to the language of the conquerors was practiced over centuries. The practice was often linked with the commemoration of the names of victorious rulers. The specific function supporting the new political and social order was given to toponyms during the Great French Revolution. Naming conventions related to monarchy, feudal system and religion were replaced with lexis stemming from the spirit of the revolution. After 1815, during the restoration period, nearly all former names were restored. After the October Revolution name changes accompanied the obliteration of any traces of tsar rulers. Names of leaders of the revolution and party activists became the basis for many toponyms. When party leaders changed the old names were frequently replaced with new names. The majority of pre-revolution names were restored after 1991.