Absolutism And Revolution Portfolio: Similarities And Differences Between The French And French Revolutions

Unit 2: Absolutism and Revolution Portfolio

In this unit, you examined the American and French Revolutions. The American Revolution, sparked by conflict over British rule and influenced by Enlightenment ideas, broke colonial ties with a monarchy and yielded a new nation. The French Revolution, inspired by the American Revolution as well as the Enlightenment, freed French citizens from an absolute monarchy and secured equality before the law for all male citizens.

In your unit study, you explored the causes and effects, characteristics, as well as the consequences, of each of these revolutions. What did they have in common? How did they differ?

For this portfolio, you will complete this document as you explore the similarities and differences between the French and American Revolutions.

Part 1: Fill out the chart below with similarities and

As a result of their revolution, the Americans got their independence from Britain and introduced enlightenment ideas into their government. The American government after the revolution was much different than the government before the revolution. Before the revolution the American people were not represented in government and had no say. After the revolution the American people became the government. People elected other people that they trusted to go represent them in government. Ideas that were formed by the enlightenment philosophers were used in the new government. The French, however, did not make significant progress toward ending absolutism and instead were subject to another absolute ruler immediately after the revolution. After the French revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor. In this role, Bonaparte had absolute power over France. But some traces of progress were seen, as Bonaparte created a fairer tax system, new schools and a new set of laws (some still in place over 200 years