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Comparison between American and French revolution
Comparison contrast french versus american revolution
Comparison french and american revolution
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Although the Revolutions started many years apart The American Revolution started in 1775 while the French began in 1789 Some interesting similarities are both of the Revolutions were started over very dire economic circumstances. Both occurred in the 1800's,the Americans felt British Parliament implemented unfair taxes and felt they were Absolute monarchy meaning a form of government has absolute power over its people. The French were also Under an Absolute monarchy being ruled by King Louis XVI. Another similarity is they both created conditions of deep patriotism and constitutionalism . One big difference between the two wars was Contrast of war, the American colonist did not kill The British leader of the time King George III .The French King Louis XVI was beheaded by the Citizens of France publicly so all could watch, it was a much bloodier war. The revolutions were also started by different Classes of …show more content…
people, the American Revolution was started by all different classes, but were led by the upper class. While the French Revolution started with the lower class. The Enlightenment Period or Age of Enlightenment also played a major role in both Revolutions. This period was based on an intellectual, scientific movement based in taking, rational approach to religious views, social views as well as political and economic views. Some major leaders in the period were Benjamin Franklin a great thinker as well as an inventor and a diplomat who traveled to and from Europe and exchanged ideas with them his influence was very profound. Sir Isaac Newton was a major influence. know as the father of physical science. He also introduced the The World to gravity and the laws of revolution. Thomas Jefferson who served as President of the United States from 1801 Until 1809 was a thinker and politician who wrote The declaration of independence it is said he was directly inspired by enlightenment thought. Baron de Montesquieu was a foremost French political thinker who penned The Spirit Of Laws, his work ventured into sociology he spent many hours study cultures and climates, and deducing that climate should be a major influence on what type of government a country should have. The Revolutions also had many key military leaders as well. George Washington who served as President from 1789-1797 was ordered by the congress in 1775 to lead the continental army in war, though inexperienced he proved to be a resilient leader. Two key victories for General Washington were The Battle of Trenton and The battle of Yorktown, some suggest his greatest war legacy was surrendering his commission to congress affirming civilian control of the military of the new Untied states. Benedict Arnold was a Major General in the continental army before his act of treason. He is remembered for his expedition against Fort Ticonderoga and his brilliance in Saratoga where he was wounded with a severe leg injury. Paul Revere was a silversmith from Boston most noted for spreading the alarm The British are coming before the battles of Lexington and Concord .He also served in the Massachusetts militia before returning to being a silversmith after the war. Horatio Gates was a general who served as a junior Officer for the British, Horatio first saw action in the French and Indian wars. When the revolution started he offered his service to General Washington as he already fought alongside American Patriots in the French and Indian wars. He was made a Brigadier General, his most famous victory came against General Burgoyne at Saratoga. Some key French leaders were Napoleon Bonaparte, he was a French Emperor and military leader. He is considered one of the greatest military leaders in the history of the west. The Napoleonic code is the French civil code established under Napoleon 1n 1804 while it was not the first legal code to be established. it was the first modern code to be adopted with a European scope and had a large influence on many countries formed during and after Napoleonic Wars. The civil code gave post-revolutionary France laws ,like individual rights, property rights, colonial affairs and rights of the family. Maximilian Robespierre some consider him to be a great leader of the French Revolution. He was key in The Reign Of Terror where over 40,000 thousand were put to death by the guillotine ,he wanted to rid the Country of internal dissent between the leaders. Jean-Paul Marat was also a key leader of the French he wrote articles in which he stated his great hate for the leaders who had power, his articles were banned, but he continued in secret leading the citizens to rise up against the monarchy. There were also many key documents that resulted or impacted the wars. The American Revolution had many key documents here are a few examples.
The Declaration of Independence is one the most important documents in our nation's history. With one part stating The United Colonies are free independent states, and absolved from any allegiance to the British as well as any political connections dissolved. The Constitution of The United States was signed on 9/17/1777, it was executed by representatives of the people of The United States as the absolute rule of action for all officers of government which all laws and ordinances be in accordance. It is the absolute foundation of our government for Over 200 years. Jay Treaty was a treaty of navigation and commerce between Britannic Majesty and The United States. It was used to relieve post-war tensions between the two. It was signed on 2/29/1796 The Articles Of Confederation 1777 was the first document to establish The United States as a separate entity ,outlining the terms under which each Colony would operate. It also states having its own government the states have agreed to
loyalty And friendship bound to protect each other. It also gave the name to the new confederation The United States of America. Later it was replaced by the Constitution we still use today. The French also had many key documents such as The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, Aug 26, 1789, which was influenced by The United States Declaration of Independence and by The Enlightenment Period. It asserted the right of liberty ,property, security, and resistance to oppression. Another important document for France is the Civil Constitution of the Clergy,1790 . It was an attempt to recognize the Roman Catholic Church of France. What it did though was to break within the church and made devout Catholics turn against the Revolution. Main features of this document were to reduce the number of bishops from 135 to 83. It also gave enfranchised citizens the right to elect bishops and parish priest and have the wages paid for by the state. The French Constitution, 1791 came next it was the first constitution in France after the The collapse of the Absolute Monarchy. It was created by the National Assembly. It retained the Monarchy but sovereignty Effectively resided in the Legislative Assembly, which was elected by a system of indirect voting. In summary, I have showed how in many ways the wars were similar like the beginning of both Revolutionary wars were born out of dire economic conditions and by the need of the citizens who wanted freedom from the Absolute monarchy's they were under. AS well as the wars being fought in the 1800's although many years apart. In the end, many of the military leaders of The Revolutions are the ones we read of today in our history and how they played key roles in winning the freedom and independence for their countries. The outcome of the wars was somewhat different with America gaining the independence and freedom it so desperately wanted. The Declaration of Independence was signed stating The United Colonies are free independent states and absolved from any allegiance to the British as well as any political connections dissolved. Although The French Revolution did give the citizens The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen influenced by The United States Declaration of Independence and .It developed a constitutional system that shifted power away from the monarchy and its supporters. While The United states kept its new independence and freedoms, thanks to our incredible leader General George Washington who fought so hard for his people and to help create a great democracy, he was then elected to be the leader of the new country as our First, President of the United States in 1789-1797. The French Revolution led to the end of the French monarchy and leading to NAPOLEON Bonaparte dictatorship. At the end of the war, France adopted its slogan "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. At the end of the war, the new government developed a constitution system, that took power away from the Monarchy and those who supported it. Five years after seizing power Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France .Napoleon was a very skilled military leader. Some consider his biggest accomplishments was his Napoleonic Code set in place in 1804. It was written by four jurists, who were legal theorist who research laws. It was a clearly written set of laws. Although not the first legal code written, it was the first code to be embraced by many in Europe, as many countries formed their own set of laws influenced by the Napoleonic Code. Also, while America's First, Amendment did not allow any state-supported churches meaning there was to be separation of church and state, while the French still Had state-supported churches. 1. Primary Source https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/alliance.html 2.https://modernworldhistorians.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/differences-between-the-french-and-american-revolution/
During the 16th and 17th centuries a new type of ruling emerged as a result of unorganized government called royal absolutism. This type of government was seen in many European countries including France and Russia where King Louis XIV and Peter the Great ruled respectively. Both had ways of ruling that were similar to each other and different to each other. Politically, economically and socially both Louis XIV and Peter the Great were similar to and different from how they ruled and what their reign resulted.
In the Age of Absolutism, both England and France had strong absolute monarchies and leaders. Though Louis XIV, monarch of France, and Charles I, leader of Britain, both served as their country’s king and served in this role in different ways.
The thirteen American colonies were under the British control until they declared their independence from British in 1776. A year after the declaration of independence, the continental congress established the Article Of Confederation, which was the first constitution in the United States. According to manythings.org, “During that war, the colonies were united by an agreement called the Articles of Confederation”. It was later ratified in 1781, but it had many negatives because it was very weak. According to manythings.org, the Articles Of Confederation did not: organize a central government, create courts or decide laws, nor provide an executive to carry out the laws, and all it did was just create a Congress. This congress was very useless
The Articles of Confederation was America’s first constitution. The Articles of Confederation failed to create a strong central government, however. With the demise of the states in sight, the need for a stronger and more structured central government became apparent. An invitation was sent to all thirteen states in February 1787 by the Confederation Congress to resolve the matter. The events that took place over the next several months would create the United States Constitution. Going down in history as a revolutionary form of government, the U.S. Constitution would give life to a country that is still running strong over 200 years later.
The 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.
According to the text book, an absolute monarch is a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society (McDougall little, 1045). In more simple terms, it is a ruler who can do just about anything without having to get permission from anyone, or having to worry about the repercussions. This was a trend that started in the 1600’s by European leaders who were rich, and didn’t like to be told what to do. These conflicts arose with the States-General in France, or Parliament in England who had substantial control. The first countries to have absolute rulers were the traditionally strong countries, such as England, Spain, and of course Louis XIV’s France.
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)
Another aspect to keep in mind when comparing the French and American revolutions is provocation. Provocation includes such things as land war, class war, tyranny, and grievances. The American Revolution had many altercations with social classes and land. One reason the revolution began was because the British created the Proclamation of 1763, which stated that Americans couldn't move east of the Appalachian Mountains. Land was abundant in America, but the British were tired of battles amongst themselves and the Native Americans.
In 1776 when the Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain with the Declaration of Independence they had one clear goal in mind: become a sovereign nation and avoid the tyranny of Great Britain. What they did not know, however, is that they had to face many more issues beyond simply cutting the ties with Great Britain; they also had to create and maintain a working system of rules which could guide them into becoming the United States of America. Once Independence was gained in 1783, the Articles of Confederation were created, but with many deep flaws in the system. The Federal government had no power, and the states were loosely held together and hardly acted as if they were a single united nation. After recognizing that these problems were too large to overcome easily, several of the greatest men in the nation gathered together to rectify these problems.
They entered a war amongst each other because lower class was challenging the government, which concluded to many people fleeing France to go to Britain and Austria. The king of France, Louis XVI, was charged with treason and guillotined, causing the Reign of Terror, which took place when Maximilien de Robespierre tried to kill over 17000 men and women. As the country of France was declining in government and economy General Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor and fifteen years after the French Revolution, France was ruled under a dictatorship (“French Revolution”). The French Revolution was inspired by the Enlightenment and Declaration of Independence because just as the Americans, the French had been fighting for freedom from the monarchy for not supporting the country of France during a period of debt. The Revolution was based from the ideas of both the Enlightenment and the Declaration of Independence derived from John Locke’s ideals of government. This includes how the people should have a representative in the government and if they are unhappy with the government, they are able to break away to start a new one. In the end, the French had lost the Revolution by having a democratic government, which later transcended into a dictatorship (“Enlightenment
In 1777, the Continental Congress established the U.S. as a confederation, designed under the Articles of Confederation. This lasted for about ten years until Congress established the U.S. Constitution,
Confederation, Articles of, in U.S. history, ratified in 1781 and superseded by the Constitution of the United States in 1789. The imperative need for unity among the new states created by the American Revolution and the necessity of defining the relative powers of the Continental Congress and the individual states led Congress to entrust the drafting of a federal constitution to a committee headed by John Dickinson. In the Articles of Confederation submitted by the committee to the Second Continental Congress on July 12, 1776, three points provoked much argumentthe apportionment of taxes according to population, the granting of one vote to each state, and the right of the federal government to dispose of public lands in the West. After several revisions were made, however, this constitution, comprising a preamble and 13 articles, was adopted by Congress on Nov. 15, 1777. In their final form, the Articles retained the vote by states, but based the apportionment of taxes on the value of buildings and land, and specified that no state should be deprived of territory for the benefit of the United States.
Throughout history, revolutions have started because of new ideas that change thinking and disrupt what has come to be considered normal. During 1700s, the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions were no exception. The Enlightenment ideas that were spreading around this time lead people of these three nations to question their ruling elites, and to begin considering breaking free. Of these three, though, no one revolt can be seen as more radical when compared to the other two. Each was faced with the challenging task of successfully separating from the oppression that had been brought upon them by to powerful empires and monarchies who had lost sight of what the American, French, and Haitian people alike considered important, as well as being some of the first revolts to use radical Enlightenment ideas to justify each of their rebellions. They considered these rebellions their one shot at being able to break free.
Washington sent Chief Justice Jay over to England in order to negotiate a broad range of various issues in an attempt to salvage ineffective relations. This meeting produced what is known as the Jay’s Controversial Treaty. Washington’s and Jay’s attempt to appease American turmoil failed miserably because Jay was unable to incorporate
In this context, an absolute monarch would be revolve around a single leader (usually a king) that would make decisions without the assistance of the aristocracy, such as a the nobility, the parliament, or other organizations that include the interest of wealthy families or government officials. In this case, the king would act alone in deciding the political, economic, and military decisions of the people, which would illustrate the absolute power that is wielded by the individual making the decisions. This governmental interpretation of the term “absolute” defines how a king would rule without the interference or inhibitions of an aristocracy or democratic form of government. Of course, the realization of this type o government can be better explained through the context of the absolute monarchy in France, which was founded in the leadership of king Louis