THE METRIC SYSTEM: BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FRENCH REVOLUTION – AMERICA IS The ONLY EXCEPTION IN THE WEST!

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[I was curious about the fact that America still mainly functions on Imperial, that is, non-metric standards and I found a few interesting facts. I find it "quaint". It's not a big deal. It's just interesting. Rhodesia switched to the metric system in the late 1960s, when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Prior to that Rhodesia used miles and people counted money in Pounds, Shillings and Pence. When I went to school, the schools had just changed over to Km and Cm and Dollars and Cents. This is a short summary of the interesting history of which countries adopted the metric system and when. Jan]

Early Adopters (18th – 19th Century)
France (1795)

France was the first country to adopt the metric system officially, following the French Revolution. The system was introduced to simplify and standardize weights and measures.
Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (1820s – 1830s)

These countries adopted the metric system after gaining independence or under French influence during Napoleon’s rule.
Italy (1860s)

The metric system was implemented as part of Italy’s unification and modernization efforts.
Late 19th Century Adopters
Germany (1870s)

Adopted the metric system during its industrialization, particularly after unification under the German Empire.
Austria-Hungary (1876)

Introduced the metric system to align with neighboring countries and simplify trade.
Spain and Portugal (1880s)

Both countries transitioned to the metric system to modernize their economies and align with European neighbors.
20th Century Adopters
United Kingdom (1965 – Ongoing)

Began transitioning in 1965 with government initiatives for trade and science.
Imperial units remain in use for road signs (miles, mph) and colloquial usage (pints, feet, etc.).
Canada (1970s)

Officially adopted the metric system in 1970, but dual usage persists, especially in construction and colloquial contexts.
Australia (1970s)

Fully transitioned between 1970-1980, including road signs and daily measurements.
New Zealand (1970s)

Metrication began in 1974 and was completed by the end of the decade.
Ireland (1970s – 2005)

Started metrication in the 1970s and completed the transition for road signs in 2005.
South Africa (1970s)

Adopted the metric system during the 1970s as part of efforts to modernize its economy.
Other Notes
United States:

The U.S. passed the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, encouraging voluntary adoption of the metric system, but no mandatory transition occurred. As a result, the imperial system remains dominant.
Resistance and Dual Usage:

In countries like the UK and Canada, imperial units persist in everyday life alongside metric measurements, showing the cultural and practical challenges of full metrication.
Summary Timeline:
Country Year Adopted
France 1795
Belgium 1820s
Germany 1870s
UK 1965 (ongoing)
Canada 1970s
Australia 1970s
New Zealand 1970s
Ireland 1970s – 2005
South Africa 1970s
The transition periods varied in length depending on economic and cultural factors.