Civilizations across the globe have experienced unrest throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as new social movements ignited conflicts between people and authorities. Freedom of an individual became a predominant idea that fueled the willingness of people to fight against oppression. Both the French and American revolutions reshaped the global stage, albeit not without bloodshed. These events possessed similar goals of liberty and equality, although they differed in the concreteness of their objectives.
French and American people struggled against a force that held them in a strong authoritarian grasp. The core difference in points of view between British rulers and North American colonists was akin to those between the French monarchy and citizens, and the treatment of people by authorities was similar, as fairness was uncommon (Shusterman, 2021; Tucker, 2021). These factions were placed in tight economic conditions by their governments, which created an unstable situation that led to plots among rebels.
Despite the aforementioned struggles, the direction that these nations took directly after they achieved victory differs. French revolutionaries pushed toward the Enlightenment as their primary objective, denouncing the Church and replacing it with rationality, while Americans embraced the freedom of beliefs and allowed religions to influence society (Shusterman, 2021; Tucker, 2021). This situation was reflected in the philosophical foundations of future political decisions and people’s worldviews.
In conclusion, both revolutions were started due to harsh economic situations that rulers created for their people, although the aftermaths of each revolt led to entirely different outcomes. Both Americans and the French sought to obtain greater freedom for their people. New political systems focused on eliminating inequalities, as individuals put liberty on the pedestal. The primary difference in the outcome of revolutions lies in the shifting role of religions.
References
Shusterman, N. (2021). The French Revolution: Faith, desire, and politics (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Tucker, S. C. (2021). American Revolution: The essential reference guide. ABC-CLIO.