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Comparison: French and American Revolutions and their Legacies

Explore the basic differences between the French and American Revolutions, their causes, courses, achievements, and legacies. Understand the impact on society, politics, and governance. Discover the challenges faced by each revolution and the lasting effects on global history.

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Comparison: French and American Revolutions and their Legacies

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  1. Comparison: French and American Revolutions and their Legacies AP World History West Hills High School

  2. Basic Differences • French Revolution wanted to change everything - Government, Social Structure, Economy, Religion • American Revolution sought a change in government, but the social system remained intact

  3. American Revolution • Most colonists wished to remain members of the British Empire • Violation of “Rights of Englishmen” • A “war for independence” or a revolution?

  4. American Revolution • The British upper class was simply replaced by a new American upper class • Lives of others (women, Native Americans, commoners, slaves) changed little. • Legacy of American Revolution: created revolutionary constitution that would evolve into its modern form

  5. French Revolution Causes • Political - no representation, King Louis XVI weak, inefficient government • Economic - Inequitable taxation, economic crisis • Religious - Church power corrupt • Social - Urban poor, feudalism, rising middle class • Intellectual - Enlightenment ideas attacked power of King, Church

  6. Course of the French Revolution • Phase 1 (Moderate): National Assembly (1789-91) • Meeting of the Estates General • Tennis Court Oath • Storming of the Bastille • Declaration of Rights of Man • Constitution of 1791

  7. Course • Phase 2 (Radical): National Assembly(1792-1794) • War with Austria, Prussia, and Britain • Second Revolution • Reign of Terror

  8. Course of the French Revolution • Phase 3: The Directory (1795-99) • Directory Established • Military success • Napoleon Takes Control • Military genius, conquers much of Europe • Makes peace within France • Finally defeated at Waterloo

  9. French Revolution Achievements • Ends Feudalism • Brings people into politics • Begins to secularize Europe • Emphasis on tradition lessens – change important to the future • Growth of nationalism comes from French idea of “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” • Enlightenment idea that everything works rationally takes hold

  10. Problems with the French Revolution • No stable government established • Execution of the King; then Reign of Terror • After Reign of Terror, people desperate for stability and support Napoleon

  11. Post-Napoleonic Order • Congress of Vienna, 1815 • Restore balance of power • Prevent further revolutions • Restore legitimate rulers • Austria, Prussia, Russia, and France crack down on nationalist and liberal movements

  12. Latin America • In Haiti a true revolution occurs • Other then Haiti, Latin American independence a conservative reaction to liberalism - Creoles afraid of sharing power • Emerging countries undemocratic • Spain prevented by Britain to regain colonies

  13. French Revolution Legacy • Completely breaks fully established, traditional political and social systems • Common people from the lower and middle classes want to be part of the political system • Course of European history changes, sets the stage for democratic development and other revolutions (i.e. Russian Revolution)

  14. French Revolution Legacy • People want complete social and political change, a break from the oppressive absolute monarchs of the time • Conservatism vs. Liberalism • A new sense of nationalism is born – people are dedicated to the greatness of the nation in a way not really seen before

  15. Question • In 4-5 sentences, answer the following constructed response. • According to the power point, what were the three problems with the French Revolution? Which one do you feel is the most important? Why?

  16. Teacher Example Paragraph • The French Revolution had both positive and negative outcomes. The three problems with the French Revolution are: no stable government, the execution of King Louis XVI during the Reign of Terror, and people were desperate for stability which pushed them to support Napoleon. A lack of stable government is the most important problem of the French Revolution because without a stable government it does not matter what the people accomplish. If there is not a government in place to continue the changes, things will go back to the way they were.

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