Bourgeois Revolutions: America and France
Bourgeois Revolutions
Bourgeois revolutions took place in the late eighteenth century. These were political, economic, social, scientific, and artistic revolutions that marked the passing of the old world, the Ancien Régime, and the beginning of the contemporary world.
Political Objectives of the Revolutions
At the end of the 18th century, the political objectives of the revolution were:
- To create a liberal political system based on respect for what were considered natural human rights: liberty, property, and equality before the law.
- To create an open society, without privileges, where social advancement depended on merit and work, measured by wealth.
The first political revolutions took place in North America and France.
The Causes of the American Revolution
The American Revolution was caused by the discontent of the settlers, who had no representatives in the British Parliament, the trade dependency on Great Britain, and because the occupation of the territories west of the colonies was reserved for the British. The spark that ignited the revolution was the British monarchy’s intention to introduce new taxes. In protest, the settlers organized the Boston Tea Party.
Proceedings of the War (1775-1783)
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the USA was proclaimed. It recognized the right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and national sovereignty. French and Spanish support permitted the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in Yorktown (1781).
Constitution of 1787
The Constitution of 1787 established national sovereignty, the division of powers, and a federal republic as a form of state.
Declaration of Rights of Man
The Declaration of Rights of Man guaranteed the right to life, liberty, property, and freedoms of the press and religion.
French Revolution
The causes of the French Revolution were:
- Political and ideological: Enlightenment theorists advocated for the end of absolutism.
- Social: Widespread social discontent:
- Nobles and clergy had lost power, and many had financial difficulties due to their high expenses.
- The bourgeoisie lacked political influence, and their economic activities were hampered by mercantilism.
- The common people were also discontent due to subsistence taxes.
- Economic: A double economic crisis, including a crisis of livelihoods and a financial crisis. The only solution was a tax reform that required the privileged class to pay taxes.
Consulate
During his time as consul, Napoleon attempted to consolidate the revolutionary conquests, avoiding a return to absolutism and radicalism. His most important actions were the pacification of the country and internal reforms.
- Internal pacification: He eliminated radical opposition, allowed the return of exiled nobility, and signed a concordat (agreement) with the Pope.
- Internal reforms: These were varied:
- Political reforms, such as the Civil Code, which enshrined revolutionary achievements.
- Economic reforms, such as the introduction of new industries and economic freedom.
- Social reforms, such as the creation of public social assistance.
Napoleon was named First Consul for life and later Emperor of the French.
Vocabulary
- Revolution: A rapid and profound change from the previous situation.
- Political revolution: Violent action aimed at seizing power in order to establish a new political system.
- Nationalism: Political ideology that believes that the fundamental unit of people’s lives is the nation, a community with its own characteristics derived from a history, a language, and a common culture.
- Nation-states: The objective of nationalism, which claims that borders should coincide with nation-states.
- Concordat: Agreement with the Pope.