Similarities Between American And French Revolution

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The American Revolution and the French Revolution were a large part of the 1700’s, changing citizens’ rights to be free and equal, thus resulting in how we live today. It is necessary for one to acquire knowledge of these events in our past to make sense of why we are the way we are today. Both wars had the same main ideas and purpose, but there are details and factors that are different, still each thrived and prospered in their goals for freedom. The similarities America and France had in their Revolutions included the early events and causes, excellent military leaders who led them to success, and the documents made such as The Declaration of Independence and The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Whereas these are …show more content…

Each wanted to be unrestricted and have equality for the citizens, without unjust control by the government, for their experiences had been immoral. Both had abusive political leaders, America’s being the British, and France being Louis XIV. They mistreated their powers and made life as a citizen unfair and difficult (22.4, 23.1, paragraph 3, and paragraph 9). Unjust taxation, separations of social classes, and having no say in anything are just a few examples of what life would be like in both America and France. In America, England was taxing the colonists on things such as newspapers, tea (Boston Tea Party), and stamps, as well as other trivial items; America believed it was immoral, for they didn’t have any representation in parliament (22.4, 23.1 paragraphs 3-4, and 3-5). This was later referred to as “taxation without representation”. They both had bad political leaders, however they each had amazing military leaders. George Washington led America and Napoléon Bonaparte directed France. George Washington was appointed to be in command of America’s army on April 19, 1775, and Napoléon was selected to lead the French army in 1796. Bonaparte was praised when he returned to France and was pushed by many to become a political leader, for he succeeded before in war and they were confident he could succeed in the government as well (23.3, paragraph 4). Similarly the same happened to Washington, being appointed the first President of the United States. After war America and France made documents stating their freedom and had it on paper, securing their rights and showing it was legitimate. The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 in America and The French Declaration of Man and the Citizen was written 13 years later in 1789 in France. Each document was written to emphasize equality and freedom, and stated that citizens have natural