Comparative Study of Revolutions

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Questions and Answers

What primarily motivated the American Revolution in contrast to the French Revolution?

  • Religious differences
  • Social class conflict
  • Economic concerns
  • Political upheaval (correct)

The French Revolution resulted in a more stable government than the American Revolution.

False (B)

What document is known as the longest in-place government document in America?

The American Constitution

The leadership during the Haitian Revolution primarily came from the __________ classes.

<p>lower</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following revolutions with their primary characteristics:

<p>American Revolution = Political upheaval with loyalists present French Revolution = Social upheaval with significant violence Haitian Revolution = Lower-class leadership and social fragmentation English Revolution = Corruption of power and taxation issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major fear held by American leaders following their revolution?

<p>Internal civil war (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The American Revolution and the French Revolution both aimed for independence from their respective governments.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one influence that the American Revolution had on the subsequent French and Haitian revolutions.

<p>The ideas of rights and representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

American Revolution: A Political Upheaval

The American Revolution was primarily a political conflict, focusing on issues of representation and taxation. The revolutionary ideals were rooted in Enlightenment ideas, particularly the concept of individual rights. The conflict was largely confined to the battlefield, and there were internal divisions among the American population, including Loyalists who remained loyal to the British Crown.

French Revolution: A Social Transformation

The French Revolution went beyond political reform, aiming to fundamentally transform French society. It was fueled by Enlightenment ideals, inequality, and economic hardship. The revolution saw widespread social upheaval, including the Reign of Terror and the overthrow of the monarchy.

Haitian Revolution: Freedom and Its Aftershocks

The Haitian Revolution was sparked by calls for equality and freedom. Despite initial success, the revolution faced challenges due to economic hardship and ongoing social class division. It ultimately saw a violent and chaotic conclusion, with both sides suffering significant losses.

American Revolution: Decentralization of Power

A key focus of the American Revolution was maintaining power in the individual states, weakening the central authority. This stemmed from a deep distrust of strong governments and a desire to avoid the tyranny experienced under British rule.

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Influence of the American Revolution on France

The French Revolution was heavily influenced by the American Revolution, drawing inspiration from its ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. The success of the American Revolution provided a model for the French people seeking to overthrow their monarchy.

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Impact of Revolutions on Global History

The American Revolution had a significant impact on subsequent revolutions, inspiring movements for freedom and self-determination in other parts of the world. The French Revolution, in turn, drew inspiration from the Haitian Revolution.

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Study Notes

American Revolution

  • The American Revolution was primarily a political upheaval, not a complete societal overhaul like the French Revolution.
  • The tax issue wasn't the economic strain, but a principled stand against British authority.
  • Average citizens were largely unaffected, but there were loyalists and isolated conflicts, not a broad-based citizen committee.
  • A fear of inspiring further revolts led to isolation of revolutionary areas.
  • The desire to limit the power of a perceived tyrannical government fueled the revolution
  • The revolution resulted in a shift away from a centralized government towards a balance of power between federal and state governments

French Revolution

  • The French Revolution drastically restructured French society, unlike the American Revolution's largely political focus.
  • Motivations included Enlightenment ideals, representation, and public poverty/violence.
  • The French Revolution lacked the political focus of the American Revolution and had a more violent and extensive societal rearrangement.

Haitian Revolution

  • The Haitian Revolution, while successful initially, faced setbacks due to economic and social issues.
  • Social upheaval and class conflict within Haiti contributed to its later struggles.
  • The revolution involved significant violence, including massacres of white populations.
  • Haitian leadership emerged from the lower classes.
  • Like other revolutions, Haitian leaders had experience in military leadership.
  • There was a distrust in the central authority by the common Haitian citizen.

Comparing Revolutions

  • All three revolutions drew inspiration from Enlightenment ideals.
  • All three saw a distrust and rejection of existing systems of government.
  • The American and French revolutions influenced the Haitian Revolution, but societal factors specific to Haiti led to unique outcomes.
  • England's political corruption played a role for the Americans and the distrust of the common citizen in England and America was similar.
  • Constitutional Monarchy and the English Bill of Rights became models for other nations.
  • The American Revolution created a functioning federal republic with a written constitution, influencing the development of other nations greatly.
  • The American Revolution's outcome created a strong central government, as opposed to the French Revolution's internal power struggles.

American Impact

  • The American Revolution led to the establishment of a written constitution, the longest-standing government document of its kind.
  • The American revolution created a stable and new system of government, that influenced other nations including the French and Haitian revolutions.
  • American independence led to trade and expansion, fostering political and economic growth.

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