A metre is one ten-millionth of one quarter of the circumference of the Earth

The French introduced the metric system after the French Revolution, at the end of the 18^th century, when they were anxious to throw out all the old and inefficient ways.

They wanted a universal and accurate form of measurement.

Twelve scientists were appointed to organise such a system. They chose the 'metre' (spelled meter in America) after the Greek word for measure, 'metron' and, for simplicity of multiplying and dividing, they decided to base it on the number 'ten'.

One metre was to be one ten-millionth of one quarter of the circumference of the Earth measured from the Pole to the Equator.

The old weights were also abandoned and grammes were introduced.

Similarly, litres (spelled liters in America) were introduced to replace the old liquid measures.

At first people were reluctant to adopt the new measures but in 1840 they were made law and there were punishments for those who refused to use the metric system.

This is probably one thing you should thank the French for.