Comparison of the American and French Revolution
Comparison of the American and French Revolution
Similarities between American and French Revolution:
- Ideals:
- Both revolutions were influenced by Enlightenment ideals that emphasized natural rights, equality, and the pursuit of liberty.
- Revolution by Commons:
- Both revolutions were driven by common people who sought to break free from oppressive and tyrannical rule. They believed in their inherent right to live independently from such forms of governance.
- Demographics of Revolution:
- In both revolutions, it was the middle and lower classes that played a significant role. While there were loyalists in America, the overall demographics of the revolutions were similar.
- Repressive Leadership:
- The leadership in both countries was perceived as repressive, particularly in terms of taxation. This contributed to the sense of injustice and the desire for change.
- Aims and Final Outcome:
- Despite different circumstances, both revolutions had similar aims: to establish a new republic and constitution that would better represent the interests of the people.
- Declarations and Constitutions:
- Both revolutions produced significant political documents and written constitutions.
- Declaration of Rights:
- France's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) and the United States' Bill of Rights (1789) shared similarities in their content and intent. They outlined fundamental rights and liberties.
- Equality before Taxation:
- Both declarations emphasized the principle of equality before taxation, a departure from the previous systems where certain groups, such as the clergy and nobility, were often exempt from many taxes.
- Freedom of Speech and Religion:
- Both documents, like the U.S. Constitution, guaranteed freedom of speech, religion, and the press, reflecting a commitment to individual liberties.
- Legal Protections:
- Both declarations prohibited the retroactive application of criminal law and affirmed the presumption of innocence for crime suspects, ensuring fair legal proceedings.
These similarities highlight the shared Enlightenment ideals and the common desire for political and social change that shaped both the American and French Revolutions.
Differences between American and French Revolution:
|
Dimensions |
American Revolution |
French Revolution |
|
Rebelled against |
Against foreign rule (British colonial rule over America) |
Against their own ruler (King Louis XVI) and monarchy |
|
Outcome |
Gained independence from British rule |
Led to rise of Napoleon and Napoleonic wars |
|
Participation |
Involved various classes of colonists |
Limited to the Third Estate (working class) |
|
Place of Revolt |
Colonies under British rule (not an independent country) |
France (an independent country) |
|
Global Involvement |
Primarily between Americans and British |
Evolved into conflicts with other European monarchies |
|
Level of Violence |
Less violent, minimal targeted killings |
More violent and bloody, widespread violence |
|
Relation with Earlier System |
Preserving traditions of representative government |
Rejecting and uprooting the ancien regime |
|
Contributions to the World |
Declaration of Independence, focused on responsibility |
Declaration of Rights, focused on entitlements |
|
Impact |
Emphasized self-governance and independence |
Imposed a "Cult of Reason," attempted to remove religion from society |
|
Influence of Enlightenment Thinkers |
Primarily influenced by John Locke |
Influenced by philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau, focused on "Cult of Reason" and "General Will" |
These differences highlight the unique circumstances, motivations, and outcomes of the American and French Revolutions, even though they were both influenced by Enlightenment ideals. Each revolution addressed distinct challenges and had varying impacts on their respective societies and the broader world.
