There were many causes that were similar in both wars. In both cases, the people were the ones that were responsible for the revolutions. Both countries wanted to establish a system of government that respected the values of freedom, equality and self-determination.
In the case of France, these were being violated because the absolute monarchy that governed the country did not take into account the needs and interests of the people. In the case of the United States, while the government was similarly unresponsive, it was also considered a foreign government with little authority or accountability.
In both cases, the result was a Republican government. However, while the American model was stable and long-lasting, the French one was a lot less successful.
Similarities:
- Both Revolutions were deeply influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment, such as the ideas of progress, equality and freedom.
- Both Revolutions were viewed as the fight of an oppressed people against a tyrannical government.
Differences:
- The American Revolution was a war of Independence, as America was under the control of Great Britain. In the case of the French Revolution, no foreign power was involved.
- After the American Revolution, there was relative peace and the new government was long-lasting. In the case of the French Revolution, the war was followed by an extremely bloody and unstable period.
