American history is taught as events that directly happen on American soil or events involving America. However, events overseas affect America’s development and history greatly, by influencing it in different ways. The French Revolution of 1789 did not directly involve America, though it did leave an impression on American citizens and its leaders. Research for this exact topic was challenging to look for, first hand accounts and reflections were slim to none, however there are letters and direct acts in response to the French Revolution. In this analysis, the letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Jay and the Alien and Sedition Acts will be looked at to see how America reacted to the ‘drama’ overseas in France. The Letter from Thomas Jefferson …show more content…
Jefferson’s letter is an update to John Jay as to what is occurring in France, and the severity of it. Writing about the mob voting to seek arms against the Bastille, and the many threats made by the Royal family. The severity of this situation went as follows, “The ancient police of the city is abolished by the authority of the people”(Jefferson), stating the power of the citizens rioting against the royalty is overpowering the police force. This situation is all too familiar to Americans, being what they experienced while rebelling against Great Britain in 1776. The French revolution was important to Americans because they knew how it felt to rebel against the great power above them, their government. Jefferson ends his letter to John Jay stating the citizens that rioted and fought against the royalty in France are, “the brave and valiant citizens who have sealed with their blood the liberty of the nation”(Jefferson). The importance of this piece of history and why it should be studied within American history is to see the correlation the French Revolution has with the American …show more content…
The Alien and Sedition Acts is a formal “preparation for the anticipated revolution in France,” according to the summary of it in the National Archive. America was aware of the ongoing internal battle France was having with itself, and the federalist-run government decided to act fast in preparation for its outcome. The Sedition Acts are a set of 4 laws as followed, United States residency requirement set from 5 to 14 years, executive power to “deport” aliens, authorized their arrest and deportation during wartime, and finally the most drastic being a federal crime to print false or scandalous writings about the government. All summarized and translated information was found on the National Archives DocsTech website, which provided clear explanations for the acts. These four laws represent the fear the federalist American government felt in preparation for the French Revolution, seeing how French citizens were acting as the U.S. needed to maintain control. Limiting residency status and freedom of speech was completely against the ideals of the Democratic-Republicans, who were the only ones affected by these acts
However, the author 's interpretations of Jefferson 's decisions and their connection to modern politics are intriguing, to say the least. In 1774, Jefferson penned A Summary View of the Rights of British America and, later, in 1775, drafted the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (Ellis 32-44). According to Ellis, the documents act as proof that Jefferson was insensitive to the constitutional complexities a Revolution held as his interpretation of otherwise important matters revolved around his “pattern of juvenile romanticism” (38). Evidently, the American colonies’ desire for independence from the mother country was a momentous decision that affected all thirteen colonies. However, in Ellis’ arguments, Thomas Jefferson’s writing at the time showed either his failure to acknowledge the severity of the situation or his disregard of the same. Accordingly, as written in the American Sphinx, Jefferson’s mannerisms in the first Continental Congress and Virginia evokes the picture of an adolescent instead of the thirty-year-old man he was at the time (Ellis 38). It is no wonder Ellis observes Thomas Jefferson as a founding father who was not only “wildly idealistic” but also possessed “extraordinary naivete” while advocating the notions of a Jeffersonian utopia that unrestrained
The author, a renowned American historian, presents an exciting and dramatic narrative of the year of the birth of the nation. He interweaves the actions and decisions that saw the British lead the war against the rebellious subjects that put the survival of America at the discretion of George Washington. The author tells a human version aspect if the story with accounts of those who walked alongside George Washington in the Declaration of Independence year. This was a time when the whole reason for Americans was based on the possibility of success. The book points out that without the hope of success, the whole idea of independence would have slipped away and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence would have been nothing but words on paper.
The French Revolution was a period of political upheaval that occurred in France during the latter half of the 18th century. This revolution marked an end to the system of feudalism and the monarchy in France and a rise to democracy and new Enlightenment ideas. By 1789, when the revolution began, France was in a deep financial crisis due to the debt they had obtained over many years of reckless spending and France was nearly bankrupt. These financial issues fell almost completely on the bottom social class or the Third Estate which made up a majority of the country. Because of this financial trouble the common people were heavily taxed leaving many of them in poverty. In addition to the economic issues, France also held an Estate System that led to heavy
America was born and survived, its rough road into a nation, through a series of events, or moments in history. The founding brother’s book is about a few important figures during and after the American Revolution. These important figures consisted of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Adams, George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. Each of these men, contributed to the building of America in one way or another. The book breaks these contributions into a few short stories, to help understand what these important figures did.
Joseph J. Ellis is an American historian, and professor on the founding period of the United States. He is also the author of seven books including, “American Sphinx” and “Founding Brothers”. Both of which have won him a National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize, in respecting order. His book, Founding Brothers, was written for the general audience, more so students, scholars and anyone else interested in learning about how this country was constructed by our Founding Fathers. Ellis explores the great efforts each and every one of them put forth into this country. This book is a monographed oral history, because it is about one subject (the post-revolutionary time period of the United States) and it is of a sequence of events that occur in that certain time period. Ellis’ book is about a series of history events
In the making of the United States, there were many events that are important. This paper intends to highlight a few of those events including; Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers. Many events in America’s history helped to establish the United States as a free and independent country. The Declaration of Independence in particular explains the rights and freedoms that Americans. Each document is like a stepping stones that leads to the next and building upon the pervious document.
His opening paragraph introduces the context for the Declaration. He goes on to list offenses by the King. Jefferson assures his audience that for every offense committed by the King, the colonists have presented a solution(s), only to be cast aside. Their last resort after failed negotiations is to declare themselves a free people. Jefferson was explicit in his Declaration of Independence, the colonists were not asking to be “totally dissolved” of union with the British Crown, they had already decided and were well on their way to constructing a new
The document “The American Crisis” focuses mainly on the crises that America would face during the time of revolutionary war. Thomas Paine, in this article urged people to unite and to fight against Britain. He encouraged and inspires the colonialist’s soldiers to strive for independence from “tyrant and evil” colonial kings and its government. He believed wholeheartedly in the American Revolutionary cause but oppose violent practices.
In the year of 1803, America’s territory was expanded by nearly double its original size. Such an acquisition turned out to be very beneficial, but much like a rose, such a feat did come with its thorns. The Louisiana Purchase posed several moral dilemmas for President Thomas Jefferson, but overall the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The weakened country of Spain returned the Louisiana Purchase back to France, which at this time was led by Napoleon Bonaparte. Purchasing this land would protect the United States’ ability to ensure the ownership and use of the vital port of New Orleans. This buy also proved to be beneficial in that it not only prevented a war between America and France but also eliminated France’s presence as an enemy in North America. The Louisiana Purchase perhaps opened the idea of ‘Manifest Destiny’ to the United States and its citizens. With all of these advantages, the end certainly justifies the means.
As an American observes the life around him, noting the many advancements made in merely the last century, he must wonder how America climbed to such a level. The 21st century technology, the military and political power, education and ethics, all came from such meager beginnings, solidified by the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War proved to be a significant turning point in the history of our country, but what caused America to win? What were some of the most significant factors in the victory of these American patriots? By examining these three particular factors, America’s military assets, it’s aid from other countries, and its own spirit of independence, one’s understanding of the Revolutionary War, an essential root of this nation, is truly increased.
In 1776, the tyranny of King George III made it necessary for all thirteen colonies to unite, declare independence and to sever political ties between Great Britain. The under-represented people of America needed something strong which showed how colonists need to free of the English rule. The colonists did that by writing a “list of grievances” by stating their reasons for rebelling against Britain’s tyranny. If it wasn’t for Thomas Jefferson’s brilliant idea of creating the Declaration of Independence, who knows how America would have turned out today? However, the real importance of the Declaration of Independence lies not in the purpose for which Jefferson created it, to declare independence from Great Britain, but rather how future generations have interpreted Jefferson’s words. Ultimately, the Declaration of Independence has become a document that has been interpreted to guarantee the basic rights of everyone in America and abroad. Who would have thought that this one document could have created this much of an impact today? The Declaration of Independence still was, and still is, the most important part of America’s history because of its historical influence. The Declaration of Independence is still very relevant – it still plays a significant role in today’s society.
During the eighteenth century, France was one of the most richest and prosperous countries in Europe, but many of the peasants were not happy with the way France was being ruled. On July 14, 1789, peasants and soldiers stormed the Bastille and initiated the French Revolution. This essay will analyze the main causes of the French Revolution, specifically, the ineffectiveness of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the dissatisfaction of the Third Estate, and the Enlightenment. It will also be argued that the most significant factor that caused the French Revolution is the ineffective leadership of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
The French Revolution evokes many different emotions and controversial issues in that some believe it was worth the cost and some don't. There is no doubt that the French Revolution did have major significance in history. Not only did the French gain their independence, but an industrial revolution also took place. One of the main issues of the Revolution was it's human costs. Two writers, the first, Peter Kropotkin who was a Russian prince, and the other Simon Schama, a history professor, both had very opposing views on whether the wars fought by France during the Revolution were worth it's human costs. Krapotkin believed that the French Revolution was the main turning point for not only France but for most other countries as well. On the other hand, Schama viewed the French Revolution as unproductive and excessively violent.
The political structure of America changed dramatically as a consequence of the Revolution. When the colonists were divided by loyalty towards Britain and those who wished for separation, the amount of determination that Patriots had was reflected through powerful spokespeople and pieces of writing. The Pe...
What Were the Alien and Sedition Acts? In 1798, the U.S. Congress passed four laws collectively known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. These laws were. 1.