Comparing the American and French Revolutions
opinion Essay
1844 words
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 out with violence and bloodshed. (American Revolution) Now, even though they started out similarly, they also did have some differences from each other. The American Revolution was the first significant revolution of the century, and it was also the first to be successful. The main reason it was successful was that it did not start out being “rebellious” in nature, but rather conservative. In another words, it was not a rebellion against the Government, but rather against having too much government controlling them. (American Revolution) The French revolution was a true rebellion against the King and the government in general. The French were the ones on the offensive, fighting to gain new freedom starting with the Storming of the Bastille. (French Revolution) Finally, the biggest contrast between the American and French Revolution was the difference in the outcomes of the two. The American Revolution brought liberty and justice for all. It created the first Republic since Rome. The French rev... ... middle of paper ... ...cally it was “unfair”. Their goals were to gain independence from their monarchy and set up a Republic of equality and liberty. They started out similarly, but they ended very differently. The American Revolution ended in a newly formed independent government. The French revolution overthrew their government and killed their king. The French Revolution resulted in dictatorship that lasted for years. Works Cited [Kagan, Donald. The Western Heritage Volume 2, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2006] Internet The American Revolution the History, November 1, 2007, american revolution.com Encarta, French Revolution, November 1, 2007, Encarta.msn.com/French_revolution Paul Halsall, Modern Western Civilization class 10: The French Revolution Origins November 1, 2007. forham.edu
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american and french revolutions had many similarities and differences. they both wanted to escape the rule of their king, while the french peasants were not represented by the parliament.
- Compares the american revolution with the french revolution, which was a true rebellion against the king and the government in general.
- Opines that the biggest contrast between the american and french revolution was the difference in the outcomes of the two. the american revolution brought liberty and justice for all and created the first republic since rome.
- Explains that the american revolution was started by england putting pressure on the colonists economically by imposing new taxes on them.
- Explains that the colonies were able to pass laws because parliament had approved the decision to collect them, and fair because the money was spent in colonies.
- Explains that france was in terrible financial state in the late 1700's. the french monarchy emerged from the seven year war defeated, and deeply in debt.
- Explains that france restricted free trade with other nations and kept the country and most of its people in a state of poverty.
- Analyzes how the third and second estates drew up grievances and expectations. they agreed on a written constitution, taxation, equal justice, to get rid of feudalism.
- Describes how the delegates of the third estate grew weary and tired and decided to proclaim themselves the national assembly.
- Narrates how the national assembly found their doors locked from their meeting room and took an oath not to disband until a new constitution was made known as the "tennis court ode".
- Opines that the king did not plan on the populace of paris, which numbered more than 600,000 people. by june, the people was organizing a citizen militia and collecting arms.
- Explains that the national constitute assembly issued the declaration of the rights of man and citizens in late august 1789. the constitution also made the king subject to constitution and assembly decisions.
- Narrates how the french peasants were busy fighting a war against austria and prussia. a mob led by danton invaded the palace and killed the kings guards.
- Describes how the national convention abolished the monarchy and the new government took action against king louis.
- Explains that the death of king louis marked a turning point in the revolution. the committee of public safety, appointed by the convention, was responsible for 40,000 deaths.
- Explains that the american revolution and the french revolution had similarities in how they started, but the end had many differences as well. both the people of each country felt that their presence was not felt in the governments.
- Compares how the american revolution ended in an independent government, while the french revolution overthrew their government and killed their king.
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- Difference Between French Revolution And American Revolutionexplanatory essayThe French and American Revolution are considered to be some of the most significant events within the history of each of these countries. All though these are considered revolutions, are they actually? A revolution is when a group of people try to overthrow their government and then create a new government. The American Revolution was first set into motion by the Enlightenment era. The Enlightenment Era was a time where Enlightenment thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau embodied reason, government, religion, and no cruel death punishments. The American Revolution failed to achieve all that it was meant to. The old authority remained the same, but it did cause social change among the people. After the American Revolution
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the french and american revolution are considered to be the most significant events within the history of each of these countries.
- Explains that the american revolution was not revolutionary because not everyone received the same equal rights. the bill of rights was written by james madison, a federalist.
- Explains that the french revolution was less revolutionary than the american revolution because it achieved less. the pro-american revolutionist did not kill thousands of people if they were against the revolution.
742 wordsRead More - The American and French Revolutionsargumentative essayThese two revolutions occurred relatively at same period, but were almost complete mirror reflections of one another. The patriots of the revolution in America did not really even wanted a revolution, but had no choice, which made it peaceful aside from the war. The revolutionists in France seemed almost bloodthirsty and were very quick to kill someone for any injustice. The groups of revolutionists were too radical in that they were not willing to compromise. Compromise makes the difference between a peaceful state and a reign of terror.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american revolution and the french revolution occurred during the late 1700's, but had a great number of differences and little similarity. king louis xvi appointed physiocrat robert turgot as controller general of finance.
- Explains that the physiocrats were followers of the french physician francois quesnay, whose economic prescriptions included reduced taxes, less regulation, the elimination of government-granted monopolies, and internal tolls and tariffs.
- Explains that the government confiscated all church property in france. it was the wrong way to create a free society, since the church was responsible for some abuses.
- Explains how france instituted its first universal levy, which was the ultimate in state control over the lives of its citizens.
- Analyzes how modern statism began with the french revolution, with its horror and disregard for individualism. the only thing that ended the carnage inside france was napoleon bonaparte.
- Explains that the american revolution was a "conservative" movement, fought to conserve the freedoms america had painstakingly developed since the 1620s during the period of british "salutary neglect".
- Explains that it took over a year for the colonists to declare their independence, and it was more out of desperation than careful planning, as they sought help from foreign nations.
- Explains how hamilton helped restore faith in the public credit with his economic program. jefferson brought with him the swiss financier and economist albert gallatin, who served jefferson for two terms and madison for one.
- Compares how the revolutionists in america abolished laws that britain opposed on them, and the founding fathers used a democratic form of government, which was considered radical and unheard of in europe.
- Compares the patriots of the revolution in america and those in france, who were too radical in that they were unwilling to compromise.
- Describes how the french revolution began on the streets of paris, despite the bloodshed at the bastille.
- Explains that the american revolution brought forth what would become one of the world's freest societies.
2786 wordsRead More - American Revolution Vs French Revolution Analysisexplanatory essayThe American Revolution and French Revolution were two long lasting uprisings that had great value to those battling for their rights and want they wanted to change. Yet there are a few distinctions details set them apart in a small way. The Americans wanted a change in their government, but the French wanted a huge change in everything including their government, religion, social structure (whereas American’s social system stayed the same) and economy. Other than the few differences they had, they two Revolutions were much alike, basically twin revolutions.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american revolution and the french revolution were two long-lasting uprisings that had great value to those battling for their rights and wanted to change.
- Explains that the american revolution started when the king of britain lost an immense amount of money. he bought high-priced equipment and supplies for the army, which led him to decide they would regain their money by taxing the colonist.
- Explains that king louis xvi needed money due to causing france to become bankrupt with his costly spendings. his behavior of taxing his people carelessly backfired on him and caused another revolt equivalent to the american revolt.
- Explains that the americans and french developed a common difference in their ideas from those of the government. the monarchs lost control when the people of britain and america began to fight back.
- Explains that both revolutions had the same goals in mind throughout the revolution. the colonists fought for what they thought was right, how things should be, and of course what benefited them.
- Explains that the american revolution was a transformation for america. the declaration of independence and the constitution helped america make its laws and control as wanted by the people.
- Explains that the french revolution brought equal rights to the people, freedom of religion, and citizens before the law.
- Opines that the american revolution and french revolution were actual revolts and that they were not citizens calling for their basic rights as some may believe.
735 wordsRead More - The Extent of the Radicalism of the French and American Revolutionscomparative essayAnalyzing the post-revolutionary governments of America and France will prove that the French Revolution was far more revolutionary than the American Revolution, due to the radical change that took place, the type of government implemented after, as well as the Napoleonic Code brought forth by Napoleon Bonaparte.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the french revolution was far more revolutionary than the american revolution due to the radical change that took place, the type of government implemented after, and the napoleonic code brought forth by napoleon bonaparte.
- Explains that the french revolution involved radical change in a radical manner, both traits which the american revolution lacked.
- Compares the american and french revolutions. the american revolution was a conservative movement to preserve the liberties that they had previously.
533 wordsRead More - Compare And Contrast The American Revolution And The French Revolutionargumentative essayA revolution is a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. In 1775, America was ready for dramatic change, freedom, and a disconnection with Great Britain. Taxes, trade regulations, and overarchingly, power, made all colonists, aside from the loyalists, more than ready to detach from Great Britain 's rule. The American Revolution portrays many similarities and qualities of the French revolution, due to the inspiration of one to another. The similarities and qualities lie within their down spiraling economies, selfish, money wealth-thirsty leaders, ideologies, and provocation.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the american revolution portrays similarities and qualities of the french revolution due to the inspiration of one to another.
- Explains that the american revolution began due to problems within the british economy. the first major tax imposed on the colonists was the sugar act of 1764.
- Explains that the french and american revolutions were started due to increased taxation without even the slightest representation of the american colonists.
- Explains that george washington and thomas jefferson were influential leaders during the american revolution. jefferson's political ideologies helped draft the declaration of independence.
- Explains that the french revolution gave birth to many influential leaders, including maximilien robespierre and napoleon bonaparte.
- Explains that ideology was an overarching source of ideas for the american revolution. it includes ideas, philosophies, beliefs, and concepts.
- Explains that in the 18th century, there was much criticism of the french monarchy, even from the old regime. the philosophes argued that the people had certain natural rights.
- Compares the french and american revolutions in terms of provocation. the british created the proclamation of 1763, which stated that americans couldn't move east of the appalachian mountains.
- Explains that the seigniorial system, which allowed for greater income differences in france and a distinct separation of classes, led to many angry peasants.
- Explains that the french revolution and the american revolution were reactions against an oppressive monarchy that taxed heavily and attempted to control its subject. both reacted in part because of enlightenment ideals.
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In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the french and american revolutions share similarities, but differ in most areas involving the revolution. enlightenment ideas would shape politics, economics, and religion in the revolutionary nations.
- Explains that the enlightenment ideas affected politics for both the french and the american peoples through the form of government and individual rights.
- Compares the american revolution to the french revolution, which was more of a war to overturn its current governing system. enlightenment ideas influenced both revolutions in different areas.
- Compares the economic differences between the french revolution and the american revolution. american economics lean towards adams smith idea of free market society, while french policies focused on egalitarianism.
- Analyzes how enlightenment views influenced the religious aspects of both revolutions. the american revolution kept a close connection to religion, often one of the main reasons for people migrating to the american colonies.
- Concludes that enlightenment ideas permeated the politics, economics, and religion of the french revolution and the american revolution.
891 wordsRead More - The American Revolution is believed to have greatly influenced the French, and may have inspired the French Revolution. As the French had a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, and funded the Americans in their revolution, revolutionary ideas of freedom and independence were spread amongst the two nations, inspiring the French to start their own Revolution.
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- Describes the french revolution as a civil revolt that broke out in france against the absolute monarchy and the roman catholic church.
- Explains that the american revolution greatly influenced the french, and may have inspired them to start their own revolution.
- Explains that the french revolution was also influenced by the ideas of the enlightenment, a movement that promoted reason and science rather than traditions.
- Explains that the unfair ways of how common people were treated compared to royalty and nobility formed the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity, leading to the french revolution.
- Explains that the french revolution began when king louis xvi organised a meeting with the clergy, the nobility and the commoners, known as the estates general on the 5th of may 1789.
- Describes how the king acknowledged the national assembly's constitution and their laws that stated all men would be treated as equals when more nobles and clergy joined the third estate.
- Explains that french society was reorganized during the months of august 1789 and september 1790. feudalism, and advantages that nobility and the clergy had over ordinary people were abolished.
- Explains that the national assembly began to divide into smaller departments, known as the counter-revolution, the democrats and the nation party. the civil constitution of the clergy made the church a state organization.
- Explains that france became a constitutional monarchy in 1791 due to the publication of the new constitution. this created conflict between the three different estates and counter-revolution.
- Explains that king louis xvi and his family attempted to flee from france along with some other nobles and clergy to join the counter-revolution, but failed.
713 wordsRead More - French Revolution VS American Revolutionanalytical essay..., I found that their final goals and impacts of the world were different, though they began within a similar circumstance. The American Revolution successfully against Europe’s supreme powerful empire over the sea, and overthrew an absolute government, as well as established a nonmonarchical, united form of government. The impact of the French Revolution was far-reaching. It abolished the Bourbon monarchy, legitimized the National Assembly, and found the first French Republic. It stated liberty base on individual rights.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that both american and french revolutions began with the same goals, which was the creation of a new government.
- Explains that the declaration of independence was based on certain truths: all men are "created equal" and certain "unalienable rights"
- Explains that the american revolution occurred between 1754 and 1781, when king george iii imposed direct taxes on colonies to pay for the debt of wars and maintain subjects of the british empire.
- Explains that the french declaration of the rights of man and citizen echoed the americans' declaration, but in more radical terms.
- Explains that the 27 lists of fault of the king were the reasons for american colonies to be independent. the decree abolishing the feudal system was established by the french national assembly.
1328 wordsRead More - Comparing the French Revolution and the American Revolutionargumentative essayThe revolutions had a large quantity of ideas in common; however, they were two different countries, in two unlike geographical locations, with total dissimilar types of culture. The Americans planned out their revolution for many years until capturing the right moment to spark it. A significant fact is that the French played a key role in aiding America in its struggle against the British Empire. They supplied the Americans with money and munitions, they helped organize the American military, and even sent their own fleet to help end the revolutionary war. After the war ended the French upon returning to France, came to the conclusion that they did not have the freedom that they just helped America receive. This led to the French planning a revolution of their own.
In this essay, the author
- Compares the american and french revolutions. the american revolution was in 1789 until the turn of the century 1799, a period of political and social turmoil for the french people.
- Explains that the americans planned their revolution for many years until capturing the right moment to spark it. the french played a key role in aiding america in its struggle against the british empire.
- Explains that the american revolution was about the independence of the country. the capitalists wanted a different government, while the french revolution became more about human rights.
- Explains that both countries, america and france, fought their wars on their homeland. the americans faced a small amount of british troops established in the colonies already, and had the redcoats crossing and ocean from great britain.
- Explains that religion is the most important part of politics because it always finds a way to influence people. the american revolution was not based, founded, or sourced by religion.
- Analyzes how the american and french revolutions compare and contrast in many ways. the ideas of starting wars and liberating the people lead to new governments and economic success.
854 wordsRead More - French Revolution: Causes Of The American Revolutionexplanatory essayThe Enlightment was one of the causes because it inspired ideas of freedom and equality. This means that some of the government’s power would be lost.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the enlightenment inspired ideas of freedom and equality, which meant some of the government's power would be lost.
- Explains that the american revolution made people realize they wanted freedom. the french king supported the revolution, which made them go bankrupt and gain money back.
- Explains that king louis the xvi had made the french people mad when he had put the country in debt so much.
- Explains that napoleon rose to power through the ranks of the military and crowned himself emperor after seizing power in france. he soon wanted more power and wanted to conquer more land.
- Analyzes how france declared more wars and launched a tactical war against austria, which made france invading other countries.
- Explains the declaration of the rights of man and citizen, the first french constitution, which eliminated the feudal system and stated liberty, equality, and fraternity for french citizens.
- Describes bastille day, where people were relieved from the powerful king. the parisian mob stormed in a prison and let 7 prisoners escape.
- Explains that the region of terror was when the most violence occurred. tens of thousands of french men and women and children were decapitated.
- States that the revolutionaries passed new laws that stated that those who owned property were allowed to vote. they even made priests obey the state over the church.
286 wordsRead More - Transformation of the Westargumentative essayIn sum, the French and American Revolutions had many similarities despite the differences in ruling monarchs and circumstances. Both reacted similarly to Enlightenment ideals and had been taxed heavily, creating social and economic imbalances. While the motiving vision for both nations were opposite of each other, these revolutions achieved similar results from the new republic and constitution in the end.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that france and the thirteen colonies endured revolutions that resulted in the decline of powerful monarchies, the rise of democracy, and change of absolute monarchy to constitutional states and republics.
- Analyzes how the french revolution was provoked by changing ideology, oppression felt by society, and the need to form a constitutional government instead of an absolute monarchy.
- Compares the american revolution to the french revolution, which was motivated by a change in outlook, lack of social and economic representation, and urgency to provide rights in the existing government.
- Explains that the french and american revolutions had many similarities despite the differences in ruling monarchs and circumstances. both reacted similarly to enlightenment ideals, creating social and economic imbalances.
662 wordsRead More - Revolutions: The Causes Of The French Revolutioncomparative essayThe French Revolution was based a single feeling. This feeling was injustice and the commoners were sick of being persecuted by the higher monarchies. They stood up to the “big guys” and fought for what they believed in and ended up changing History. Throughout all periods of History, there have been many revolutions. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a revolution is a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people lived or worked. There are many different reasons why a revolution might happen. Some revolutions were caused due to politics, and others were caused by the economics of a country. There were even social and cultural revolutions. France experienced a revolution in the seventeenth and eighteenth century because
In this essay, the author
- States that the french revolution was based on injustice and the commoners were sick of being persecuted by the higher monarchies.
- Explains that france was a powerful and politically advanced country. the old regime divided the population into three groups: the bourgeocies, the nobility, and the peasants.
- Explains that the enlightenment was a movement based on science and reason and stated that citizens should have power in how the government was run. they were inspired by success of the american revolutions and wanted equality and liberty.
- Describes how the delegates of the third estate demanded to have a meeting with the other two estates. the revolutionists stormed the bastille fortress on july 14, 1789.
- Concludes that the french revolution helped citizens gain some rights, but ended the war with a new monarch who made rules for the country to follow.
934 wordsRead More - American Revolution And French Revolution: A Comparative Analysisexplanatory essayAmerican Revolution and French Revolution are two of the Atlantic Revolution that happened during the era from the 1770s to the 1820s. Although two of them had two decades difference, they still have similarities and difference in the ideas that led to revolutionary wave in Atlantic World. In the following paragraphs, I am trying to make a comparison American Revolution and French Revolution and hopefully to provide readers a new prospective in understanding American Revolution and French
In this essay, the author
- Explains that american revolution and french revolution are two of the atlantic revolution that happened during the era from the 1770s to the 1820s. they have similarities and differences in the ideas that led to revolutionary wave in atlantic world.
78 wordsRead More - American Revolution : The American Revolutionary Warcomparative essayThe American Revolution (1775-83) is also known as the American Revolutionary War and the U.S. War of Independence. The conflict arose from growing tensions between residents of Great Britain’s 13 North American colonies and the colonial government, which represented the British crown. The tension that arose because of this was due in simple fact thanks to the crown applying harsh rules and regulations involving taxes. Skirmishes between British troops and colonial militiamen commonly many times called the minutemen thanks to their ability to be into combat at any time in Lexington and Concord in April 1775 kicked off the armed conflict, and by the following summer, the rebels were waging a full-scale war for their independence. France entered the American Revolution on the side of the colonists in 1778, turning what had essentially been a civil war into an international conflict. The reason for this allied nation was thanks in part to the war that accrued right before the Revolutionary War called the Seven Year War. After French assistance helped the Continental Army force the British surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the Americans had effectively won their independence, though fighting would not formally end until 1783. First, let’s look at the lead up to the Revolutionary War
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american revolution arose from growing tensions between residents of great britain's 13 north american colonies and the colonial government, which represented the british crown.
- Explains that colonists resented their lack of representation in parliament and demanded the same rights as other british subjects. colonial resistance led to violence in 1770, when british soldiers killed five men in the boston massacre.
- Narrates how the first continental congress met in philadelphia in september 1774 to voice their grievances against the british crown. the congress voted to meet again in may 1775 to consider further action.
- Explains how the british strategy in 1777 involved two main prongs of attack: first, it aimed at separating new england where the popularity for the rebellion was at its highest.
- Describes how greene's american forces forced cornwallis and his men to withdraw to virginia’s yorktown peninsula. though the movement for american independence effectively triumphed, contemporary observers did not see that as the decisive victory yet.
- Concludes that this is a brief summary of the revolutionary war to its beginnings and how it got started to, and important battles.
- Explains that the continental congress voted to adopt the declaration of independence, a document that got many of its ideas and values from the britain declaration.
1748 wordsRead More - Comparing The French Revolution and The American Revolutionexplanatory essayThe American and French Revolutions took place between 1775 and 1789. Though they were closely related chronologically, the two revolutions were interrelated in several other important ways than just time itself.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american and french revolutions took place between 1775 and 1789. though they were closely related chronologically, the two revolutions were interrelated in several other important ways.
- Explains that in the late eighteenth century, the ideas of liberty and equalities flourished throughout the world, especially in europe and america. the enlightenment changed the way people thought about life.
- Explains that the american revolution was the beginning of the revolutionary era, and americans were seen as rebels until they defeated the british and established themselves as an independent country. france became the newest revolutionary nation in 1789.
- Explains that both revolutions were considered radical revolutions at the time, but the american revolution could be considered conservative and radical.
- Explains that france was sympathetic to the americans, since they were humiliated by england in the seven years war, and wanted to help them defeat england.
- Explains that the french remained neutral until 1778, when the government offered a formal alliance to the americans.
- Narrates how the american negotiators deserted their french allies for fearing the french would want to devise a treaty that would give the british holdings to spain.
- Explains that while many european countries aided the americans during their revolution, no country felt the effects of this revolution as they did. many of the french soldiers had returned to their country with a new love of liberty.
- Explains that the french revolution was not like the american revolution, for it was more radical than conservative.
- Explains that the nation's debt and annual budget deficit increased rapidly during the american revolution.
- Explains that king louis xv declared partial bankruptcy, which would have forced creditors to accept smaller payments on the debt. the french monarchy was too weak for such a drastic and unpopular action.
- Explains that the people were tired and fed up with the ways of absolute monarchy, and they became defensive as king louis’ xvi armies moved towards paris. the people appointed the marquis de lafayette commander of the city’s armed forces.
- Explains that the french abolished their feudal structure system, and ironically looked to american's constitution for inspiration.
- Explains that the national assembly issued the declaration of the rights of man in 1789. it was difficult for the people to get beyond the main principles while drafting it.
- Explains that the declaration of the rights of man created a limited monarchy in 1791. the king remained head of state, but all lawmaking power was given to the french legislature.
- Explains that the american revolution, though not directly responsible for the french revolution did have a major impact on it. france had financed large portions of their annual budget(s) to the americans (and their supplies).
- Explains that both revolutions shared the belief that liberty and equality were essential human rights, and the commanding by the marquis de lafayette in both the american revolution and as commander of the city of paris' armed forces.
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