French Revolution vs American Revolution
There are significant differences between the French Revolution and American Revolution, even though both were instances where a party rose against another. The French and American Revolutions were both responses to the oppressive rule of absolute monarchies: France was ruled by Louis XVI and America by the British monarchy, with King George III at the helm. Both revolutions successfully overthrew the monarchy, but only the American Revolution managed to maintain the democracy that was gained.
Key Takeaways
- The French Revolution occurred between 1789 and 1799, while the American Revolution took place between 1765 and 1783.
- Storming of the Bastille was the main event of the French Revolution, while the Boston Tea Party was one of the most notable events of the American Revolution.
- The French Revolution led to the Reign of Terror and the Napoleonic dictatorship, whereas the American Revolution resulted in the longest democracy in the world: the United States of America.
More about French Revolution
The French Revolution, sometimes referred to as the Great French Revolution, involved participants mainly from French society. The main cause of the revolution was the fiscal crisis faced by King Louis XVI’s government in the 1780s, which led to the imposition of heavy taxes on an already overburdened populace. Major events during the French Revolution include the Storming of the Bastille, the Women’s March to Versailles, the Royal Flight to Varennes, and the completion of the constitution. The revolution resulted in the failure of the constitutional monarchy and a subsequent constitutional crisis. War and counter-revolution occurred between 1792 and 1797, along with a national convention between 1792 and 1795 that saw the execution of Louis XVI. The French Revolution also witnessed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen in August 1789 and a shift in power from the Roman Catholic Church to the state.
More about American Revolution
The American Revolution occurred in the latter half of the 18th century, when thirteen colonies in North America broke free from the British Empire to form the United States of America. The revolution was triggered by the British monarchy’s oppressive taxation of the American people. Participants in the American Revolution included Spain, France, Native Americans, and African Americans. During the revolution, the Parliament of Great Britain was rejected, royal officials were expelled, and new self-governing states with new state constitutions were formed. Notable incidents during the American Revolution include the Boston Tea Party, in which patriots threw an entire shipment of taxed English tea into the sea at Boston Harbor. Although the American Revolution required significant effort and struggle, it resulted in a more lasting peace, with Americans left to govern their own country without further bloody warfare.
What is the difference between French Revolution and American Revolution?
- Period: The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799, while the American Revolution lasted from 1765 to 1783.
- Notable Events: The most notable incident of the French Revolution is the storming of Bastille, while one of the most notable events of the American Revolution is the Boston Tea Party.
- Oppression: French society was being oppressed by huge taxes by their king, while American society was being oppressed by huge taxes from the English Monarchy.
- Participation of Classes: For the French Revolution, support mainly came from the middle and lower classes, with some support from the upper class. For the American Revolution, the support of the upper class was less.
- Resulting Political Systems: The French Revolution led to the Reign of Terror and then the Napoleonic dictatorship, while the American Revolution led to the longest democracy in the world known as the United States of America.
