Connor Burnand
Mr. Gallagher
World Studies Honors
May 1, 2023
Two Countries, One Revolution Despite being entirely separate revolutions that occurred in different countries that were separated by thousands of miles and many years, the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution share many significant similarities. Specifically, parallels can be drawn in the causes, leaders, and impacts of these revolutions on their respective nation’s history. Moreover, the complex events surrounding these revolutions have obscured these similarities, but through examining these circumstances, we can better understand the interplay that propelled these pivotal historical events. Both revolutions were fueled by economic and social inequalities that persisted
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In France, the revolution was initially led by the lower classes. Their primary motivation was their own economic and political interests. However, as the revolution progressed, multitudes of charismatic leaders emerged, most notably Maximilien Robespierre, the leader of the radical phase of the French Revolution, named the ‘Reign of Terror’. Despite his controversy, however, he was effectively able to mobilize and maintain control of the revolutionary government. In contrast, the Russian Revolution was figure headed by committed revolutionaries such as Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin. They were united in their commitment to establishing a socialist state. Lenin, in particular, was a brilliant strategist, who was able to inspire and motivate his followers with his grandiose vision of a classless society under perfect communism. Despite their stark differences in ideology and tactics, these leaders were able to mobilize their followers and drive their respective revolutions forward. Ultimately, the actions of these leaders had profound impacts on world history as a whole and their similarities are