French & American Revolutions: A Comparative Overview
The French Revolution
Pre-Revolutionary Phase (1787-1788)
Under Louis XVI, France faced severe financial difficulties due to extravagant spending and costly wars. Taxes disproportionately affected farmers and merchants while the privileged classes remained exempt. The rising cost of basic goods further exacerbated the situation. The privileged classes petitioned the King to convene the Estates-General, an assembly representing the three estates of French society.
Revolution and Constitutional Monarchy (1789-1792)
The Estates-General convened in May 1789 at Versailles. The Third Estate, demanding proportional representation, formed the National Assembly after being denied equal voting rights. This act, known as the Tennis Court Oath, marked the beginning of the revolution. The Assembly declared itself the legitimate source of power. On July 14, the storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority, ignited the revolution. The bourgeoisie seized control of Paris and established the National Guard.
Constitutional Monarchy
- King Louis XVI conceded to the National Assembly’s demands for reforms (1789-1791).
- Abolition of feudal rights and privileges, establishing equality before the law and in taxation.
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August 1789, proclaiming fundamental rights for all individuals.
- Adoption of the Constitution of 1791, establishing a constitutional monarchy with limited suffrage (excluding women and poorer social groups).
- Economic reforms based on liberal and physiocratic ideas, including tax modifications, free trade, and industrial development.
- Administrative and judicial reforms, dividing France into 83 departments.
- Reform of the Catholic Church through the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, nationalizing church lands and requiring allegiance to the state.
The National Convention (1792-1794)
In April 1792, France declared war on European monarchies. Accusations of treason against Louis XVI led to further unrest. Military defeats and popular uprisings resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in August 1792. The National Convention, elected by universal male suffrage, implemented significant measures:
- Approval of the Constitution of 1793, establishing a republic based on universal male suffrage and including rights to work, assistance, and education.
- Establishment of the Committee of Public Safety and the Revolutionary Tribunal to combat counter-revolutionaries, leading to the Reign of Terror.
- Price controls on essential goods and confiscation of property.
- Abolition of slavery in French colonies.
The American Revolution
The American Revolution marked a decisive break from monarchical traditions. The thirteen colonies revolted against British economic policies. Protests escalated into armed conflict with British troops in 1775. On July 4, 1776, the colonies declared independence. The war ended in 1783 with the victory of the rebels, led by George Washington, with support from France and Spain. The newly formed nation, the United States of America, incorporated innovative Enlightenment ideas into its political system:
- Virginia Bill of Rights, outlining fundamental natural rights.
- Ratification of the Constitution in 1787, prohibiting hereditary and lifetime public offices.
- Establishment of a federal republic, uniting states under shared institutions.
- Division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Principles of national sovereignty and equality of citizens before the law.
- Voting rights based on age and income level.