Revolutions: Similarities Between France And The United States

A revolution, by definition, is the overthrow of one government followed by replacement with another. The American Revolution against the British during 1775 to 1783 and the French Revolution pitting the French people against their own government during 1789 to 1799 were both very important political and social turnovers. This movement towards the establishment of a constitutional government influenced political thought throughout the world. By closely examining three of the main causes of these revolutions, it is clear that although the two revolutions have their differences, the basis of cause for the revolutions have, overall, much stronger similarities.

The American Revolution had many more causes than the French Revolution. Both Revolutions were generally caused by taxation without representation; meaning the colonist and the third estate did not have a voice of opinion in these new laws. The stamp act and smuggling passed parliament, and those laws were placed on the colonist. Everything was being taxed; that money paying off the debt of the French and Indian War, also being sent to England. King Louis XVI raised the third estates taxes to pay off the debt of wars and deficit spending. Both the third estates and the colonist didn't have a say in the new laws or work they were now having to follow. The French and the Americans had a rebellion that lead them into the revolution. The colonist had the Boston tea party where the colonist dressed as Native Americans to board ship that help the highly

Throughout history, humanity has always yearned for better. When a leader, as an individual or an entire government, ceases to fuel their nation’s drive for better, the citizens take it into their own hands. From this sovereignty of the people, the idea of revolution is born. This idea has become prominent many times. One can analyze a country like France. Due to the government’s selfish actions, the third estate revolted. In countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, the citizens were tired of strict rule from a power that is an ocean away. This caused the people in Latin America to revolt against their leader, Spain. Although the French and Latin American Revolutions both were inspired by the American Revolution and Enlightenment ideas, the French Revolution was vastly unsuccessful compared to the Latin American Revolution which brought freedom to many countries.

The American and French revolutions both compare and contrast in their origins and outcomes; both revolutions began due to the common peoples need to obtain independence and liberty from an oppressive government. The American Revolution was triggered by the American colonists need for financial independence from the overpowering nation of Great Britain, while the French revolution was a struggle to gain social equality among the masses. Although the American and French Revolutions were fought over the same ideas, the American Revolution is considered more “conservative” than the French. The intent of the American revolutionaries was not to initiate a revolution, but rather to gain their

The American Revolution began for two reasons: political and economic, while the French Revolution began with domination and mismanagement that contributed to the French society. During the Revolution many events occurred having a major effect, such as the sugar act, currency act, and the Townshend act. The French began the Tennis Court Oath, the Storming of the Bastille, and the overthrown of Monarchy. The French Revolution followed in suit with the American Revolution, because the French were in favor for what the American Revolution was fighting for.

The Latin American Revolutions and the American Revolution both had similarities and differences. These revolutions were similar in a way, because they both were fighting against their suppressing powers and one difference was the way that unity shaped the way they gained independence.

The American and the French revolutions had many similarities and differences. One similarity being is that they both wanted to escape the rule of their King. Second, they both started by an uprising of people against unfair taxation by the monarchy. The French peasants were not represented by the Parliament. It was mainly composed of middle and upper class people. Now, the American colonists were not represented in England because of their lack of presence. Both wanted to set up a Republic, which provided liberty and justice to all classes of citizens. Just like France, the American colonists were composed up mainly middle and lower class citizens. The American Revolution started out by not wanting bloodshed and violence. France started

The French and American revolutions were both countries fighting for independence, almost one after another, the American first, and then the French. Both were very similar, while also, very different. Both were inspired by Enlightenment thinkers, and both involved citizens against the king. The French revolutionists were inspired by the American patriots.

The events leading up to the French Revolution were many things, but the biggest and most recognized by historians is the fact that the French government was bankrupt due to funding the American Revolution. This lead for the king, King Louis XVI to raise taxes just like any country would. The only problem with what he did, was he was not taxing everyone. He was just taxing the poor, the people with the least amount of money. This left more wealth for the clergy and the

The French and American Revolutions are more similar than different due to their parallelism in their cause of revolution such as high taxation and use of Enlightenment ideas and also the impact of the legacy of the Bill of Rights and the government of Republic of each revolution that governs the people today.

The French revolution had many long range causes. Economically the French were separated into three estates. The largest section being the poorest and the heaviest taxed. socially they were separated into three part 1st being priest, 2nd nobility ,3rd the working class. politically the third estate was upset the king for the unfair taxes and rights.

They wanted to create a democracy. The French revolution became more about human rights. The bourgeoisie who were considered capitalist people realized they had little to no rights. They acquired large sums of money but with this led to more taxation from the king. They French government was so far into debt from wars the king kept raising the taxes on these people. The bourgeoisie wondered how they just helped America with freedom and now they have to find a way to achieve their own success.

1.) Why does the United States come out its revolution with a republic instead of a monarchy? Why do the French wind up with an Emperor Napoleon but the United States does not have a King George of the House of Washington?

The French Revolution was a very important time period in European history. However, the situation in France under Louis XVI, was a negative one. France had great financial problems and it was infested with plagues of all sorts. A lot of the financial problems were because of the American Revolution, among many other wars. Because so much financial aid was given to armies in these wars, Louis XVI was forced to raise taxes on much of the nobility. The financial problems only got worse in the following years because the

Often times we come to the realization that history has allowed us to learn from our shortcomings and realize our wrongdoings. Likewise, the result of one major event in history has multiple everlasting effects, like that of the French Revolution. There were multiple political, social and economic factors that displeased many of the people of France, especially those who were situated within the third estate. Being influenced by many outside sources, like those from The Enlightenment and the American Revolution, furthered their want to change the system which so heavily burdened the people. The poorest would have to pay the majority of the taxes which resulted in a disdain for many of those who held powerful positions, especially since they were not affected by taxes. The French Revolution was a result of multiple things, specifically the taxes imposed on the lower class, The American Revolution and The Enlightenment.