1. Political Revolutions in the 18th
and 19th centuries - COMPARED
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2. 
Throughout history, what are the reasons
that people have rebelled against their
own government?

3. SIMILARITIES in the
CAUSES of
REVOLUTIONS
18th and 19th century
American Revolution
French Revolution
Haitian Revolution
Latin American Revolutions

4. 1. The Enlightenment influenced revolutionaries
and their governments.
emphasis on reason, natural rights, the
individual, and social contract

6.  2.
Conflict
between social
and racial
classes.
 (except in the
American
Revolution)

8. French
Social
Classes

9. 3. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

(Except Haiti) Economic problems like
inflation, poor harvests, & increased taxation
of the lower classes led to rebellion.

10. 4. Revolutions inspired or caused other
revolutions.

12. 5. European wars either directly
or indirectly led to revolutions

Conflicts
between
Britain, France,
and Spain.

13. 6. Increasing discontent w/ imperial rule
in the Americas and Haiti started reform &
revolutionary movements
governments of
Britain & France
changed policies in
their colonies
 anger about “lack
of freedom” by
many levels of
society


14. British (American)
Colonies and France
Compared
Background to the
Revolutions -
Differences

15. In the North American Colonies

There was a relatively large literate
and prosperous middle class in a fluid
social class structure (except for
slaves).

There were opportunities for the
lower classes.

16. In France

The nobility, clergy, and the peasants
were in fixed social classes from
Medieval times.

The majority of the population was in
the lower classes. Starvation was a real
possibility for many.

17. In the Colonies

There was no Church
leader or institution
with great wealth or
widespread power.

Tradition of
representative
government
(constitutional
monarchy) and selfrule.

18. In France

The Catholic
Church was
powerful and
wealthy.

History of
ABSOLUTE RULE.

19. French National Anthem – La Marseillaise

Let's go children of the fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us tyranny's
Bloody flag is raised! (repeat)
In the countryside, do you hear
The roaring of these fierce soldiers?
They come right to our arms
To slit the throats of our sons, our friends!

Grab your weapons, citizens!
Form your batallions!
Let us march! Let us march!
May their impure blood
Water our fields!

20. Political Revolutions in the
Americas (1776) and
France (1789)
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GAME ON!

21. In the American Revolution

The Revolution was CONTROLLED by
a group of educated and wealthy
individuals.

Revolutionaries had discernible goals
throughout the conflict.

22. In the French Revolution

The Revolution was many-layered . . .
Different groups, different
factions, different people led.
Each group had different goals –
change the government, overthrow
the government, seize Church
power, equalize property, and more.
 There was widespread violence.


23. Storming the Bastille

24. Reign of Terror

25. In the American Revolution

The Americans had financial and
military assistance from France as
they fought British troops.

26. In the French Revolution

Most European nations declared war
on France at some point during the
French Revolution.

27. In the American Revolution

The leading
General became
the President with
limited term and
limited powers.
The U.S. was weak
economically and
in military.

28. In the French Revolution
A leading General
became a military
dictator (with
absolute power)
and took control
of most of W.
Europe.
 He declared
himself the new
emperor


29. British (American)
Colonies and France
Compared
SOME RESULTS

30. After the American Revolution

Articles of Confederation created a
limited government.

The Constitution created the best
government EVER.

The new U.S. developed in relative
isolation.

31. After the French Revolution

For decades following the
revolution, the French government
changed frequently from Republic to
Monarchy, with intermittent periods
of violence and civil war.

Other European powers made
alliances to balance the power of
Europe and keep stability (no more
revolutions).