As it is always beneficial to make connections between various stages and units in history, and seeing that we just finished learning about the American Revolution and just started the French revolution, I figured it would be logical to compare and contrast the two. As I read the textbook, thoughts kept popping up in my head, such as “This seems quite similar to an aspect of the American revolution” or “Yet this information seems different.” The section entitled American Revolution’s effect on the French Revolution confirmed my suspected thoughts on the parallels and distinctions between these two fascinating periods in history. Without further ado, here are my thoughts:
Both the American Revolution and French Revolution were prompted in similar ways, though the French Revolution was more based on social inequities than the Americans’ desire for political independence. In 1748, a 5% income tax was appointed on every French civilian, regardless of social class. The tax was implemented in an attempt to pay off the huge debt from the War of the Austrian Succession. In fact, France would become even more indebted after helping the Americans with their revolution. Likewise, Britain first taxed the colonists with a similar goal: to pay off the expenses from the French and Indian War. The first tax to cause a major uproar amongst the American colonists was the Stamp act. In both of these situations, the taxes were protested against. French civilians claimed that the new taxes gave too much power to the king and violated their liberty. A significant difference though, is how France and Britain chose to respond to these complaints. While France caved in and dropped the taxes, we know that Britain stood adamant with the decisions, at first suppressing the colonists, but finally repealing the Stamp Act in 1766.
Despite the similarities stated above, it is equally important to touch on the obvious differences between these two historical events. The French and American revolutions were both based on Enlightenment values that emphasized the ideas of equality and natural rights, but the American revolution was fought to gain political freedom/equality, while, from what we have read, the French Revolution sought to achieve social equality between the three French estates. Another of the most fundamental differences between the two revolutions was their contexts. The American Revolution was fought against the tyrant Britain to gain complete independence from the tyrant Britain while the French Revolution was more of a civil war fought amongst the French people rather than another country.
Though the French Revolution was in theory inspired by the American Revolution, which could be considered the first democratic revolution in history, it did not closely parallel it. Though it may seem there are many connections between the two, as we read on, we will see that the two revolutions were in fact very different in motives and outcome. What do you guys think? Do you see the connections between the American and French Revolutions, and what are your predictions for how the French Revolution will play out?
I do agree with you that the American and French Revolutions have many intertwining similarites. During both wars dissension was sparked by taxation, but I also have one disagreement. I also agree with the fact that France sought no social equality during their revolution as well as with the fact that France was mobilized and inspired by America. My one contention is the cause of both revolutions, in particular the French Revolution. In your post you say the French Revolution was sparked by social iniquities while the American Revolution began for the pursuit of independence. I agree with your cause of the American revolution, but my main objection to that is that I feel that, yes, socail iniquity may have contributed to the French Revolution, but we canot say that it is the base. In my opinion, both revolutions began as a quest for power and authority over themselves. In the American Revolution the Americans wanted to have power in the British Parliament by means of an elected official and also wanted authority over themselves. The same can be said of the French War. The noblemen were not objecting to being taxed, but rather being taxed without being included in the decision. With this is in mind the reasons for both wars seem relavtivelty the same, there was a group of people that did not want to feel left out of essentially making decisions for themselves.
ReplyDeleteGoing back to what we talked about at the end of our last class, I feel that the economic problems arose as a result of the war in both circumstances.
ReplyDeleteLike Tola, I tend to disagree with the fact that the Revolution was completely based on social inequalities. While I think that this is definitely one of the contributing causes, I don't think that it would be completely accurate to call this the spark. I agree that the American Revolution came about as a pursuit of independence, and I would add that it was also linked to the economic issues that had plagued Britain and the Colonies. So once again, I think that the economic problems, as a result of the war or the failure of the respective nations to manage their assets led to the revolutions.
You state that the French Revolution was caused by the desire for equality between the three estates. I believe that the French Revolution was caused by the pursuit of political and economic power in France. The bourgeoisie began to take control economically (for they supported an individualistic capitalist society) and the noble (particularly in the Parlement of Paris) exercised authority over the monarchy. The struggle between the classes, in addition to the lack of an economic foundation, ultimately instigated the French Revolution.
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