An Analysis of the Similarities between the American, French, Haitian, and South American Revolutions
During the 17 and 18th centuries, many countries attempted to rise up and declare independence from the oppressive powers that tried to maintain dominion over them. Although these revolutions were somewhat isolated from each other, they all shared common similarities. The American, French, Haitian, and South American revolutions are intricately linked in three ways. Each revolution lead to another, they were all about the idea of universal human rights and economic fairness, and they were all about aspiring to move away from imperial structure and monarchies in governments. They all wanted to move towards the new political ideology of a democracy.
During these revolutions, the common theme was to establish a democracy, or a government where people had a voice. This caused one revolution lead to another. On page 782, Strayer writes," From the early eighteenth century to the mid nineteenth century, many parts of the world witnessed political and social upheaval, leading some historians to think in terms of a world crisis, or converging revolutions." The American Revolution was about the American colonies establishing their independence from the British crown. The French supported and participated in the revolution as well. American revolutionaries were also supported by the Haitians, who joined the French military and fought at the Siege of Savannah.
After the American revolution and Seven Years War, the French had incurred heavy debt from the fighting. After the enlightenment era, there were new political ideas floating around in France that elevated peoples desire to have individualism and equality. These issues contributed to the French Revolution. The heavy toll of war weakened the central governance in France and allowed for the enslaved Haitian population to desire their own independence from France. The Americans supported the Haitian's effort for independence. When Haiti freed itself, it became an inspiration to enslaved peoples that it is possible to overcome an imperial power. They inspired enslaved populations of Columbia and Venezuela to rise up against Portugal and Spain in the South American revolutions. Through dignity, inspiration, or debt, these revolutions were intertwined with each other.
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As well as being connected, these revolutions were about the idea of universal human rights and popular sovereignty. In the post enlightenment era, human rights and the idea that individuals mattered was taking form. This led to the desire for equality, including economic fairness. Strayer writes on page 784," The ideals that animated these Atlantic revolutions inspired efforts in many countries to abolish slavery, to extend the right to vote,, to develop constitutions, and to secure equality for women." The American Revolution was sparked by unfair taxation and lack of representation.
In Haiti, most of the population was enslaved, and it brought an abundance of wealth to France. None of the slave prospered from this, of course, and so slavery lead to the Haitian Revolution. The French Revolution was brought about form having to pay war debts, and unfairly burdened the lower class. Also, the privileged citizens had many more rights. The peasants wanted more economic fairness, and this led to the Revolution.
All of these revolutions were aspiring to move away from monarchies and imperial structure, and become a democracy, where everyone is represented. The shift was towards a new political ideology of popular sovereignty or equal representation and equality. Four mostly successful democratic governments were formed form these revolutions. On page 784, Strayer writes, "Because the revolutions overall thrust was to extend political rights further than ever before, these Atlantic movements have often been referred to as democratic revolutions." France, America, Haiti, and South America all saw successful dissolutions of colonial rule, in favor of a republic.
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An Analysis of the Similarities between the American, French, Haitian, and South American Revolutions. (2023, May 24). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/an-analysis-of-the-similarities-between-the-american-french-haitian-and-south-american-revolutions/
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