Comparison of American Revolution and French Revolution: Causes
Despite the two revolutions taking place at different occasions (1775-1783 and 1789-1799, respectively) and different continents, their causes were very much alike.
Equally important in both revolutions was economy. The American revolution was partially caused by the pressure which Britain put upon its colonies. Since Britain was economically dependent on the colonies, it kept taxing them. The taxation itself, though, was not the problem. Britain lacked satisfying reasons for the taxes, they did it only in order to gain money. This phenomenon – commonly known as taxation without representation – infuriated the colonies, since the taxes had not even been accepted by the parliament, which the colonies had elected themselves. The people could bear the taxes’ burdens, but not the burden of ignorance.
France, as a second-tier trading nation, was unable to survive and pay off debts using only money given by the taxes on trading goods. Therefore, the King further taxed the people, especially the peasants. It is important to note that, paradoxically, the wealthiest – the nobles – were not obliged to pay taxes, which allowed the King to successfully sell titles, pulling the two social classes further apart.
The economic troubles of the British colonies are in every colony’s nature, though this case was only worsened by Britain’s greed. On the other hand, France’s case was more deeply rooted. For long had the two social classes been separated, but with the King’s selling of titles, they were totally torn off from each other. Lack of money caused famine in the lower class.
Britain’s greed harmed the colonies in America only because Britain controlled them. This control was greatly abused and exploited with enormous and illogical taxes, which left no choice for the thirteen colonies but to break the bonds. France’s problems were of the same nature: the King’s and the nobles’ control was being exploited. The lower class of France were left with no money and only one choice, to break the bonds.
In essence, the reasons of the American revolution and the French revolution were actually the same. In both cases, there was one majority which was oppressed and abused, in order for the elites to gain money power. This exploitation were, in both revolutions, caused by political issues. The two peoples were stuck in serving oppressors. The only difference is that the problems were rooted on different levels.pics dorm pornpornstar dorthy blackdoubble porn jointedporn me double bangdarrel double porndouble dildo porn videoes porn doubleporn penetration double free Map
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I think another important difference to note is the lack of organization in the French Revolution. While the American Revolution may have been more radical in reference to its change in fundamental elements, they had a Congress that met before they took any direct action against Britain and a government that was ready to take over once the oppressive forces were removed, whereas the French rebels had no such setup. Another American advantage was the fact that America was facing a foreign enemy. Once the English were defeated, they could be forced from the coutry. The French were fighting themselves and no side could simply “pull out”.
Comment by Rachael — April 11, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Rachael, I agree on all of your points, especially the last. Too bad that I didn’t think about it when I wrote this essay.
Comment by Tim — April 11, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
I am currently writing my own paper on a comparison of the American and English revolutions to the French and Russian revolutions. Would it be alright if I used a quote from this essay?
Comment by Rachael — April 12, 2007 @ 3:11 am
Rachael, I would be delighted. Please do.
Comment by Tim — April 12, 2007 @ 5:38 am
from what i read it seems the french revolution started from fear and the american from idealism
Comment by Bob — September 27, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
this sucks more than i do
Comment by u suck — December 2, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
i would say something about the organization in america preventing a dictator like napoleon from coming into power, also the french nobility had about 200 families that controled the government while the rest lived in ‘gentile poverty’. The middle class, poor peasents, and lower clergy in paris were the main forces pushing the revolution
Comment by sean o. — January 18, 2008 @ 2:56 am
so what does it mean when both are similiar?
im doing an assignment on this topic, please explain
Comment by Anonymous — May 2, 2008 @ 1:59 am