You can advance the science of chemistry, you can set up a democratic republic, you can establish the metric system, but you execute ONE KING, and all that people will remember--
The revolutionaries were quick to behead Lavoisier, who was a member of the establishment and tax collector for the king. He did his best work under the monarchy.
Not sure you can give revolutionary France credit for that field.
To be honest, the historical stereotype of France that I've heard mentioned most as an American is their surrender in WWII, not the regicide in the French Revolution. I imagine it might be different in Europe, though.
