Comparing the American and French Revolutions

Revolutions

Compare and Contrast the American and French Revolutions

The American Revolution and then the French Revolution were fought to overthrow the rule of cruel kings and a monarchial political system that oppressed citizens and put undue demands on them. The people were influenced by the great writers of the day to do so.

The American Revolution (1775-1783) was inspired by the political environment of the day, as was the French Revolution, both of which fought over a new order of politics that eschewed dictators and kings. The 13 colonies rebelled against the British Empire, declared their independence in 1776, and, with the help of the French navy and military, defeated the British armies. Following defeats of the British in Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781, they formed the United States of America that was recognized by the rest of the world in the Treaty of Paris, in 1783 (Bancroft Vol 10).

Both the American and French Revolution were influenced by the writings of Locke and Rousseau. John Locke (1632-1704) was an advocate of government by the people and greatly influenced Voltaire, as well as American revolutionaries, who, in turn influenced their countrymen as to how a government should form itself (Robinson 54).

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) had ideas about socialism and nationalism that influenced the political ideas of the leaders of the French Revolution, and the thinkers and writers of the new world forming in the thirteen colonies in America. He believed that if people join together and make a social contract they can both preserve their nation and remain free (Rousseau 93).

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a ten-year period of upheaval in France as it was throughout Europe during the period which followed the American Revolution. In France, the political climate changed from a monarchy with aristocrats and much influence by the Catholic Church to a democracy. Citizens formulated their desires for rights and privileges equal to the aristocracy and, fighting for this ideal, won it.