Influence of the American Revolution on French Revolution (1787-1799)

Influence of the American Revolution on French Revolution
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Influence of the American Revolution on French Revolution (1787-1799)
The French Revolution began in its earnest in 1787, spanning 1799. It, however, climaxed in 1789, thus, earning the conventional name, “Revolution of 1789.” It was a revolutionary movement that swept across France and denoted the beginning of a new era and the end of the old order (ancien régime). It was primarily instigated by the general causes common to all Western countries’ revolutions at the end of the 18th century. One of the known causes was the changing social structures of Western countries. Most parts of Europe had experienced weakened or dissipated feudal regimes. The changes were prompted by the increasing numbers of the bourgeoisie comprising affluent elite merchants, commoners, professionals, and manufacturers, who wanted political powers they did not possess previously. Agreeably enough, the French Revolution was a multifaceted conflict with various causes and triggers, but the American Revolution mapped out a successful uprising.
Numerous scholars corroborate that the ideologies that ignited the American Revolution had far-reaching effects on French culture. During the American war, some of the allied French soldiers helped the Continental army; hence there was an exchange of ideas, philosophies, and values. One such predominant ideological association was the “Enlightenment,” which dominated the American uprising. It stressed the idea of equality, popular sovereignty, and natural rights for ...