The document compares the political revolutions in 18th and 19th century France and North America. It outlines several common causes of the revolutions, including discontent among social classes, restrictive governments that did not respond to societal needs, and influential Enlightenment thinkers. The French Revolution was fueled more by conflict between rigid social classes, unlike the American colonies which had a larger middle class and more social mobility. The American Revolution had clearer goals and leadership while the French Revolution was more chaotic with competing factions. Both revolutions had significant impacts, but France experienced more instability in the aftermath.
2. Common Causes
• All/Most social classes discontentedbitterness between social classes
• People feel held down by
unacceptable restrictions in society
• The government does not respond to
the needs of its society
• Scholars and thinkers begin to give
up on the way the current
government functions
• The current government lacks
popular support as well as financial
support and might try to tax heavily
or unjustly
3. CAUSES of Rebellions
The Enlightenment influenced revolutionaries and
their governments.
emphasis on reason, natural rights, the
individual, and social contract
8. European wars either directly
or indirectly led to revolutions
Conflicts
between
Britain, France,
and Spain.
9. Increasing discontent w/ imperial rule in
the Americas and Haiti started reform &
revolutionary movements
governments of
Britain & France
increased taxes
because of their
economic problems
anger about “lack
of freedom” by
many levels of
society
11. In the North American Colonies
There was a relatively large literate
and prosperous middle class in a fluid
social class structure (except for
slaves).
There were opportunities for the
lower classes.
12. In France
The nobility, clergy, and the peasants
were in fixed social classes from
Medieval times.
The majority of the population was in
the lower classes. Starvation was a real
possibility for many.
13. In the Colonies
There was no Church
leader or institution
with great wealth or
widespread power.
Tradition of
representative
government
(constitutional
monarchy) and selfrule.
15. French National Anthem – La Marseillaise
Let's go children of the fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us tyranny's
Bloody flag is raised! (repeat)
In the countryside, do you hear
The roaring of these fierce soldiers?
They come right to our arms
To slit the throats of our sons, our friends!
Grab your weapons, citizens!
Form your batallions!
Let us march! Let us march!
May their impure blood
Water our fields!
16. Political Revolutions in the
Americas (1776) and
France (1789)
Powdered Heads and Powder Kegs
GAME ON!
17. In the American Revolution
The Revolution was CONTROLLED by
a group of educated and wealthy
individuals.
Revolutionaries had discernible goals
throughout the conflict.
18. In the French Revolution
The Revolution was many-layered . . .
Different groups, different
factions, different people led.
Each group had different goals –
change the government, overthrow
the government, seize Church
power, equalize property, and more.
There was widespread violence.
21. In the American Revolution
The Americans had financial and
military assistance from France as
they fought British troops.
22. In the French Revolution
Most European nations declared war
on France at some point during the
French Revolution.
23. In the American Revolution
The leading
General became
the President with
limited term and
limited powers.
The U.S. was weak
economically and
in military.
24. In the French Revolution
A leading General
became a military
dictator (with
absolute power)
and took control
of most of W.
Europe.
He declared
himself the new
emperor
26. After the American Revolution
Articles of Confederation created a
limited government.
The Constitution created the best
government EVER.
The new U.S. developed in relative
isolation.
27. After the French Revolution
For decades following the
revolution, the French government
changed frequently from Republic to
Monarchy, with intermittent periods
of violence and civil war.
Other European powers made
alliances to balance the power of
Europe and keep stability (no more
revolutions).
