This is a free essay sample available for all students. If you are looking where to buy pre written essays on the topic “How did The American Revolution Influence the French Revolution”, browse our private essay writing samples.
Unlike the American Revolution, the French Revolution (1787-1799) was a very complex conflict with numerous causes and triggers. Historians believe that the French revolution is by far one of the most violent and universally significant revolutions the world has ever seen. It is believed that the American Revolutionary war set the stage for an effective uprising of the French. The American colonists winning Independence against Great Britain served as a great motivation and working model of revolutionary success for French revolutionists.
Many historians also believe that the French revolution was inevitable even if there was an American revolution or not. They believe that France was on the verge of financial collapse with the unpopular monarchy and an outdated feudal system. In this essay, we will discuss how did the American Revolution influence the French revolution.
Are you feeling overburdened by loads of writing assignments and never-ending homework? Hire Us and allow our professional essay writers to take care of all your essay work while you relax and take a breather.
What was The Role of American Revolution in French Revolution 700 Word Long Essay
Seven years after the American revolutionary success against Great Britain that won them Independence, French reformers also started to face great political, economic, and social hardships. Most of the problems faced by French revolutionists mirrored the ones faced by the American colonists. Many historians believe that the American revolution served as a motivation for French revolutionists to take up arms against the outdated feudal system. However, many believe that the French revolution was inevitable because there were massive differences between the French government and the people.
Unlike the American Revolution, the French revolution was one of the most violent and significant revolutions that the world has ever seen. Though both these revolts had different motives, it is believed that the American revolution paved the way for the French uprising. In this essay, we will discuss how did the American Revolution influence the French revolution.
1. Both Shared A Similar Cause
Although both the American and French revolutions had different motives, they shared many similar causes. The most significant similar causes of both these revolutionary conflicts include:
The Economic Struggle
After the French and Indian war which is also known as the seven years war, the British government imposed heavy taxes on American colonists. Just like that the French government also imposed unfair and discriminating taxes on the people. Participation in the American Revolutionary war by King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette left the French government on the verge of bankruptcy. Heavy taxes were imposed on French people to pay off these debts.
British and French Monarchy
Just like the Americans revolted against the British monarchy and royal power of King George III the French also revolted against the French monarchy of King Louis XVI. Both these revolutions saw civil disobedience and government boycott that led to armed rebellion against the crown.
Discrimination of Rights
Just like American colonists the French also felt that they were not given equal rights. Some specific rights were only enjoyed by certain high segments of society. The high segments of society included the elites and the aristocrats. Therefore the French decided to take up arms to win equal social and political rights.
2. Americans Successful Revolt Encouraged the French
The French troops who helped the American colonists win against the British army shared firsthand experience with the American people. Based on the outcomes of the American revolution the French thought they can also also be successful against a major military power. Many historians believe that this motivation was a major inspiration for the French to take up arms and rebel against the crown.
The new American government formed after the revolution became a role model of government for the French reformists. The French saw that ideas like natural rights, equality in power, and sovereignty that were once only abstract thoughts became a part of the American constitution that worked.
All these factors played a role in the French rebellion against the French military officers to eliminate France’s involvement in people’s affairs.
3. The Influence of Enlightenment Philosophy
The American and French revolutions shared the same ideology. Both of them wanted equality, government representation, and the abolition of the harsh taxation system. During the American Revolution, many allied Frenchman fought side by side with the continental army which resulted in an exchange of ideas, values, and philosophies. Many historians believe that these ideologies were also a part of French culture and yet they faced discrimination.
One of the most key ideologies was the Enlightenment philosophy. This philosophy gave the idea of natural rights and equality for all citizens. Based on this philosophy the people marched against the idea of inherited power of monarchy and democracy was introduced. Democracy was a rule of the people by the people and these rulers were selected based on a majority vote and not by inheritance.
4. Same Style of Declaration of Independence
French revolutionists who were in close contact with Americans were quick to adopt and implement the Enlightenment ideas into a political system. The French even used the American declaration of independence as a role model when they presented the draft in the French national assembly in 1789.
This draft was named as Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789). In this draft, the French demanded popular sovereignty and equal rights.
In conclusion, though many believe that the French revolution was inevitable they still can’t neglect the fact that the American revolution played a major role in the French revolution. Above listed arguments also prove that the French wanted a government that was based on democracy and not a monarchy. They also saw that after the revolution the Americans successfully implement enlightenment ideas in their constitution. Moreover, the fact that a revolution against a major political and military power can be successful was the biggest reason behind the French revolution.
Impact of American Revolution on The French Revolution 300 Word Short Custom Essay
Historians believe that France was on the verge of financial collapse and the French people were destined to take up arms with or without the example of the American Revolution. However, most historians believe that the American Revolution was a major cause of the French revolution. The idea that a small colonial power was able to defeat Britain’s great military power gave the French the confidence, motivation, and inspiration to rebel against the crown. In this essay, we will discuss how the American revolution served as an example for the French revolution.
During the North American war of Independence against the Britishers, many French soldiers also fought beside them. While fighting the French learned about the American cause, the Enlightenment philosophy, and the harsh taxation system. These ideas made the French people realize that they are also facing the same social, political, and religious problems under the French monarchy. French support for the new political system kept growing and after some years there came the French declaration of Independence against King Louis XVI.
American colonists won independence after years of struggle, hardships, and with the help of a continental army. All these incidents served as guides on how French man can also win their Independence against the French monarchy. Americans victory encouraged the French society and French colonies to stand against the constitutional monarchy and set a foundation for French revolution influence. However, the French revolution was a far more violent and aggressive revolution as compared to the American Revolution.
Do you like these sample essays about the Influence of the American Revolution on the French Revolution? Reach out to EssayZoo to get a professionally written unique and plagiarism-free custom essay on any topic including history essays in less than 3 hours.
FAQs
Why did the French and American people fight for freedom?
Both the Americans and French dealt with problems with the actual political system, British taxes that were also imposed by French nobles, and no political power for common men. All these problems forced the French and American people to fight for freedom.
Name some of the prominent people of the French and American revolutions?
Some prominent names from these revolutions include Benjamin Franklin, King George III, George Washington, and Thomas Paine who gave the Americans a key ideological movement.