Differences And Similarities Between The French and American Revolutions

 

Both the American and the French Revolutions were interesting parts of both histories of two different modern worlds, modern America and modern France. But to the American people, the revolution meant freedom, liberty, and release from oppression, while the French revolution was bloody, violent, and unforgettable, and ended Bourbon rule, changed land ownership in France, lost power for the French Catholic Church, spread Liberalism, laid the groundwork for communism yet unified and enhanced the power of France. It also tore down ancient Feudalistic, classist structures, and introduced nationalism and modern, total warfare into Europe. Although the monarchy was ultimately restored in the end.

In both revolutions, the Americans and the French dealt with a taxation system that seemed unfair to both citizens. The French despised the taxation system due to the unwise choices of the government, such as their involvement in the American Revolution, and unwise spending practices by the King and his wife. The American Colonists did not like being taxed from the British on their shipments coming in from other countries, and also on commerce and produce, such as through the Stamps and more. Things continued as the British passed the Intolerable Acts, which organized the Patriots for the First Continental Congress to coordinate protest, and then toward a declaration from the independent United States of America. 

Another likeness shared between both revolutions were the stressing of equal rights. The French believed that their rights were being restricted, as only specific rights were only granted to parts of society, like the elite. Ordinary French citizens were barred from being able to hunt, and wear a sword, they were forced to pay the taille, and they had powerful positions granted to them. Americans themselves had no freedom of speech, nor any right for property. The colonists in America had only limited rights as granted by the lord, they were not allowed to vote on issues and taxes affecting them, nor were they allowed any representation in parliament.

Between France and America, both revolutions had extremely different impacts on history. The French Revolution was unable to establish a stable government, and secure liberty in France, instead, it led them into the Terror, then Napolean, and a new Monarchy. For the American people, they secured liberty, established a government, and also used lessons from history to guide them to this state. They knew that experience was the “oracle of wisdom”, and the “least fallible guide of human opinions”.  

Both revolutions were also widely different in how they fought their own system. In the American Revolution, the Americans rebelled by boycotting, refusing to buy British goods, declaring independence, and fighting a war against Britain. In France, rioters stormed the Bastille fortress, peasants looted and burned the homes of tax collectors, landlords, and the elite, built a constitution, and then executed their queen and king.

While both Revolutions were fought for freedom, both were extremely different in how they finally resulted, with the French Revolution devolving into a mess for the country, and the American Revolution was a new beginning for some people.