Bourgeois Revolutions: American and French
Bourgeois Revolutions
The bourgeois revolutions enabled the bourgeoisie to gain political power and social status. These revolutions took place in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, beginning with two major events:
- American Revolution: Independence of the United States, setting an example for others.
- French Revolution: Ended absolute monarchy and the states system of the Ancien Régime, marking the beginning of the Modern Age.
American Revolution: Causes
The American Revolution was driven by several factors:
- Enlightenment Thinking: Ideas of liberty and equality formed the basis for the independence movement.
- British Parliament Decisions: The British Parliament made decisions related to the colonies but refused to allow the colonies to be represented in Parliament.
- Freedom to Trade: Desire for freedom to trade without interference from Great Britain.
- High Cost of the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763): Great Britain fought against France. Although Great Britain won the war, George III increased taxes on products to pay war debts, which the colonies refused to accept.
- Boston Tea Party (1772): The British government sent troops, marking the beginning of the conflict.
French Revolution: Causes
The French Revolution was caused by:
- Influence of the Enlightenment
- Economic Crisis
- Social Crisis
- Political Crisis
National Assembly
A new voting system (vote individually) was established. The Third Estate declared that, as the true representative of the nation, it was forming a National Assembly.
Constituent Assembly
The king agreed to the Third Estate’s demands, forming a Constituent Assembly to write a constitution. This was a triumph for the bourgeoisie because the monarchy was no longer absolute. In 1791, the Assembly approved the constitution, which established:
- A constitutional monarchy
- Limited male suffrage
- Separation of powers
Legislative Assembly
Elections were held for the new Legislative Assembly. Political groups included:
- Girondins: Represented the wealthy bourgeoisie, were moderate, supported the monarchy, and favored limited suffrage. They dominated the Legislative Assembly.
- Jacobins: Represented the petite bourgeoisie, were more radical, and sought to establish a republic and introduce universal suffrage (adult males).
The threat of invasion by Austria and Prussia led France to declare war on these countries in 1792. France’s defeats and Louis XVI’s reluctance to accept the revolutionary changes caused unrest. In August 1792, the people of Paris revolted and attacked the Tuileries Palace. Louis XVI was imprisoned, the monarchy was abolished, and France became a republic.
The Convention
This was the most radical phase. A new assembly called the Convention was elected with universal suffrage. In 1793, the Convention agreed to execute Louis XVI for treason, and he was beheaded by guillotine. The Jacobins imposed a dictatorship known as “The Terror”.
The Terror
Measures introduced during the Terror included war against France’s European enemies (Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, and Spain). They also aimed to end internal revolts:
- Popular revolutionary army
- Repression
- Constitution of 1793 (universal manhood suffrage)
- Law of Maximum (fixed maximum prices for basic products)
Directory and Consulate
Moderate deputies overthrew the Jacobins in 1794, and in 1795, they adopted a new constitution. The power and influence of the army increased due to foreign war and the threat of radical revolutionaries. In 1799, a military coup established a new form of government called the Consulate.