Compare And Contrast The American Revolution And French Revolution

Two revolutions, both taking place in the 18th Century, both world-changing. People heavily associate the French Revolution with the American Revolution, due to the many general similarities. However, there are crucial differences that led to their respective results and their long-term impact.

How did these events begin? America's reasons began as grievances lodged against taxation. France's issues were much more ingrained. The country was bankrupt, and only supported on taxes of the 3rd estate. Clergy and nobility (though the richest) were exempt from paying. Those taxes were also extremely high, and especially a burden for the poorest of the poor. Other problems like famine contributed to the growing rage of the 3rd estate. The kickstart of rebellion began very differently for each. The Continental Congress accounted for the decision making in an orderly manner. Their Declaration of Independence was precise and well-thought over. Conversely, the bloodshed and turmoil of Bastille Day rang in the French Revolution. Though the event at the Bastille seemed more

Americans believed in natural rights, which were protected by the government in the least invasive way possible. They also used reason, rather than idealism, to come to their conclusions. French, on the other hand, believed in completely dismantling and reassembling tradition, to create a cooperative equality. Also, they argued that true equality could only be achieved through a common societal goal, whereas Americans reasoned that everyone has diverse motives and view points. Americans gained philosophical inspiration from John Locke, French gained it from Jean-Jacques Rosseau. All were to be equal legally (free to pursue goals without impediment) in America, but in France, equality meant to be the same as everyone else, regardless of the ability to pursue personal