 France was a strong supporter of their independence and unification in 1859 and ultimately of Greater Romania in 1918.Many prominent Romanian scientists and artists like Henry Coanda and Constantin Brancusi had studied and worked in Paris, and Bucharest was nicknamed "Le Petit Paris" for its cosmopolitan atmosphere.Furthermore, the Romanian flag alludes to the ideals of the French Revolution and has been interpreted as Liberty (blue), Justice (yellow), Fraternity (red).