Analyse the connections between the American revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789-99. Include a study of personalities and ideas put forward
...the statesmen to gain a proper interpretation of the themes which were a backbone of the revolution. This occurred through the declaration of independence. The moderate approach allowed that revolution to occur in an environment of stability, that nurtured continuity, which allowed the revolution to achieve its purpose more easily. Two of the main personalities involved in the revolutions were Maximillien Robespierre and George Washington. These two men presented their opinions to form the main ideas of their respective revolutions; although it may seem sometimes subtle their personalities are reflected in the events of the revolutions. In particular the extreme left wing and socialist attitudes that Robespierre held strong in his value systems, saw a revolt within the third estate and brought about the reign of terror. In the mainstream the reign of terror persecuted people such as clergymen and noblemen who’s views were not of a socialist, left wing nature. In saying this there is sufficient evidence provided by Robespierre’s “justification of the use of terror” that there was extreme left wing opinions formed by revolutionists “…virtue is natural to the people not withstanding aristocratic prejudices…” (See appendix 1). On the other hand George Washington’s personality as a military leader is more democratic. The words of Thomas Jefferson “He was in every sense of the words, a wise, a good and great man” (Thomas Jefferson) show that as a military leader George Washington’s wise attitudes and his prudent personality was reflected in the American revolution of 1776. His personality was reflected through the moderate nature of the American Revolution. These moderate actions were the backbone of the revolution. This brings meaning to the following quote “his integrity was the most pure, his justice the most inflexible…” (Thomas Jefferson). Within the French and American revolutions there was many documents that were written which contributed greatly to the aspired change and continuity. Two of these particularly, the declaration of the rights of man and the declaration of independence respectively (see appendix 2 and 3). These documents upheld the themes of the revolutions. They did this through the radical changes, which they brought about. The documents were most influential and were created as the basis of all ideologies that the leaders of the revolutions wanted to express. The documents elucidate that what is now commonly known, as human rights are a basic requirement for all people. This reinforces the ideas of George Washington and Maximillien Robespierre, of equality and in some circumstances shows that these personalities along with Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson has substantial influence on the radical change which occurred during the revolutions. It also allows us to see more clearly that the revolutions were a direction in the best interests of the people not just a power struggle. These documents refer quite heavily to the idea of liberty, which also is one of the main connecting factors of the French and American revolutions. The idea of liberty is one in which many people agreed with, thus by the means of these documents the revolutionists gained great support. The French and American revolutions possessed many connections. The most notable of these was the idea of equality where all people should be free from unjust or undue governmental control. This can be exemplified through excerpts from the declaration of the rights of man for France, and the declaration of independence for America (excerpt’s displayed as appendix 4 and 5). This main link between the revolutions can be supported by various personalities of the revolution. The strongest link between the revolutions was Marquis de Lafayette, who by his strong leadership powers persuaded the French government to send aid to America. Through doing this he became a hero to America and had shared the ideas of liberty and independence with American founding fathers, Benjamin ...