Similarities Between French And American Revolutions

During the eighteenth century, Europe experienced a period of intellectual, social and political movements influenced by the enlightenment ideals, that challenged the repressive social and political structures in society. It was also the period in which France and Britain dominated international affairs, engaging in lengthy wars to expand or protect their colonies from invasion. Most significantly, the costs involved with continual large-scale wars, proved devastating for the economies and the social cohesion of the countries involved. For instance, France was facing bankruptcy as a result of their involvement in both the Seven Years War and the American War of Independence, triggering social action that influenced the revolution. Similarly, …show more content…
These values were promoted by the Enlightenment ideals that swept through Europe in the eighteenth century, and are considered influential in the mobilisation of action in both French society and the American colonies. While there are similarities between the two revolutions, the main differences are in the governmental structures of the French Kingdom and the American colonies. The financial crisis created by funding decades of costly wars was a key factor in the events leading to the revolutions in France and America. In the case of the American colonies, sudden changes to policy and tighter regulations on trade, marked the beginning of the revolutionary period, which ultimately ended with America becoming an independent nation. On the other hand, the overwhelming burden of the financial crisis on the third order inspired them to challenge the King, successfully overthrowing the monarchy and eventually removing the Ancien Regime. In summary, liberation from political and social restraints was a mutual concern for the actors in both the American and French