Jeremy Basdeo

Period 1

In the Modern Era, many European countries found themselves owning territories in the
western hemisphere. However, with all the places to fairly govern, many countries could not deal with it
and ended up treating their citizens unfairly causing revolts. Two famous revolutions took place during
this time period, the French and American revolutions. The French Revolution and North American
(American) Revolution were similar in terms of being caused by the Enlightenment and a growing
dissent against the monarchy and aristocrats, but different in terms of the Reign of Terror in France and
the postwar aggressiveness of each country.
The French and American revolutions were both initiated by the Enlightenment period. During
the Enlightenment, many writers started to write about the unfair systems in place in both America and
France. Colonists realized that they deserved a fair part in parliament while the French realized they
were paying taxes for the wealthy. Writers such as Voltaire brought this realization upon people in his
works causing uproar among the citizens of each. People began to use this to formulate ideas of
resistance against the government. American colonist took action by writing the Declaration of
Independence, calling for [the right to] life, liberty, and property, from the writings of John Locke. The
third partition in France locked themselves in the tennis court to rewrite their own constitutions
following the writings of enlightenment thinkers. Along with the enlightenment came the dissent aimed
at the monarchies involved. The lower classes realized their unfair treatment. The lower class in France
had to pay the taxes for themselves and the aristocrats while in America the colonists were forced to
pay taxes without representation in parliament. Though the Britains and Frances monarchies were very
strong, they were on the decline in this period. Because of this, when the colonists revolted, the British
were in an economic downfall and were not prepared for war. The US then declared independence but
Britain tried to stop them by sending in troops. In France, the monarchy was in turmoil because they had
spent all their money. This allowed for the lower class to take advantage of the situation as they were
the only tax payers.
Jeremy Basdeo
Period 1

The French and American Revolutions were different because they had different outcomes.
Immediately after the French Revolution, they entered the Reign of Terror whereas in America they
peacefully created the Constitution. France had more of a mobocracy rule the country once they over
threw the government. They didnt have a leader and the country was in chaos. In the US, though we
didnt have a leader, everything was peaceful. The Revolutionaries were establishing a Constitution and
everyone was relieved they were finally free. Also, due to the war France became very aggressive.
Napoleon became the leader to relieve the turmoil. He tried to conquer Europe once he declared
himself dictator of France. He transformed France into an even poorer country and caused the death of
thousands of troops. The US on the other hand tried to remain isolated with Washingtons Neutrality
Proclamation and they didnt want to lose any more money.
In conclusion, the French and American Revolutions were similar in terms of being caused by the
Enlightenment and a growing dissent towards the monarchy, but were different in terms of The Reign of
Terror and the postwar aggressiveness of each. These countries faced similar circumstances, but in the
end the US Revolution proved more beneficial faster than the French Revolution.