American/French Revolutions

In 1774 the Continental Congress was created. Originally to plan further protests against British actions, the congress assumed the power of a central government, and took steps to conduct the war at hand. The congress voted to ark the colonies for supplies and troops, so they could gain French support. They chose George Washington to be commander in chief.

The colonies finally decided they mutually wanted to split from Britain and become an independent nation. On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America included 4 main sections:

The King who basically caused the revolution was Louis XVI, a man who was incapable of strong decisive action, preferred personal interests to court interests, and greatly influenced by his selfish wife. It was well known that Louis was more concerned with his own personal interests than in the interests of the State and Court. Often this bored him and he left his work up to his advisers and ministers. Or even worse he would make hasty decisions that would cause even worse consequences in France. His wife, Marie Antoinette, held great power over Louis. Often she stood in the way of his proposed reforms by talking him out of it. It was well known that she had talked him into firing Turgot, who may have been able to prevent the revolution through his economic reforms. She was also hated by a lot of the population due to her foreign birth. This did not help her later when she was executed. She also talked Louis into spending extravagant amounts on the court and her. His powerful position should have allowed him to force tax reform onto the nobility. He should have introduced mild reforms to gains the support of the public again. Then he could do, as he wanted. If he had of been a stronger person he also would not have been as easily influenced by the nobility, his advisers or his wife. He was a very weak leader.

The United States of America had won its independence through blood and sacrifice during nearly a decade of fighting. The Revolutionary War gave the US a clean slate upon which to construct a new society and a new government. The French on the other hand went through greatness and tragedy after its Revolution, however leaving France with forever support from the potential “power house” United States. Both Revolutions were vital to the success and outcome of the nations as they are today.

The first two states enjoyed privileges over the Third Estate. Although they were the richest, they were exempt from taxes. They were also the only members in society who could hold positions of importance such as Officers in the army. This caused great discontent within the Third Estate.

Some topics in this essay:
American Revolution, Stamp Act, Louis XV, Paine English, Marie Antoinette, Third Estate, French Revolution, War British, Rousseau Encyclopedists, Patrick Henry’s, third estate, revolutionary war, freedom liberty, american revolution, national assembly, colonies parliament, stamp act, british viewed colonies, british parliament, treaty paris, revolutions stood, freedom liberty rights, liberty rights happiness,