I remember trying to learn the metric system back in elementary school (1970’s).  Then it just went away like it was not important anymore.  I did not have to deal with it again until college.

How was the metric system created and adopted?  Well, France created the metric system!  The French Revolution (1789-99) and revolutionaries caused changes in many things, including the way things were measured in France.  The French public really did not like the new system and went back to the old ways, which exasperated Paris authorities, so the government sent police inspectors to marketplaces to enforce the new system.  In 1812, Napoleon abandoned the metric system though it was still taught in schools.  However, by 1840 it was reinstated.  Click below to read more about it!