Introduction
Both the American and French Revolutions resulted in July holidays, but these significant historical events share much more in common than their superficial celebrations. The precursor to both the American and the French Revolutions can in fact be traced to the prevailing philosophical zeitgeist, an attitudinal revolution that was taking root in Western Europe, Britain, and North America. Commonly called the Enlightenment, the philosophical underpinnings of the American and French Revolutions informed the future of global history. Yet in spite of the common causes and revolutionary spirits, the United States and France experienced quite different outcomes to their political struggles.
Similarities
The primary similarity between the French and American Revolution is that they were organized attempts to divest a monarchy of power. Both the Americans and the French were motivated by principles like freedom, liberty, and justice: which were embodied in the writers of French philosophers like Rousseau as well as English and American philosophers like Thomas Paine. Enlightenment principles inspired the people to cultivate a sense of personal responsibility, personal empowerment, and liberty from tyrannical, arbitrary, and oppressive rule.
French citizens noticed that the monarchy profited off the backs of the commoners,...
References
“Similarities Between the American and French Revolutions,” (2012). Western Civilization II Guides. http://westerncivguides.umwblogs.org/2012/04/16/similarities-between-the-american-and-french-revolutions/
Smith, M. (2011). A comparison of the French Revolution and the American Revolution. http://www.articlemyriad.com/comparison-french-american-revolution/
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