French Revolution, Essay Example

A description of the Revolution

The French Revolution took place between the years of 1789–1799. This time was characterized by social and political uprising in the history of France. During this time, the government of France experienced significant changes moving from being a privileged monarchy to becoming an enlightened nation. This new structure of the government was characterized by principles of unchallengeable rights, nationalism, and citizenship (Frey 14). The above changes drew turmoil of violence such as the shedding of blood, warfare involving every other leading European power, trial, and execution of the king and repression during the Reign of Terror. A number of subsequent events accompanied the revolution. They include two additional revolutions as modern France took shape, the Napoleonic Wars, and separate restorations of the monarchy (Haltze & Klaits 55-63).

How it spiraled out

After several years of experiencing financial problems caused by famine and the support of the American Revolution, France convened the Assembly of notable. The collection of nobles was requested to levy taxes on themselves. This did not end up well because the nobles became resistant thus forming their kingdom. This kingdom of nobles comprised on three distinct estates. Two years after the establishment of the noble does the kingdom facilitate kingdom, the third estate declined to participate in the disputed. The kingdom was made obsolete when the commoners decided to handle all the affairs of the nation (Frey 37-42).

The role America played

When the French revolution erupted, America supported the French colonies as they fought for independence. America failed to realize that it was fighting for its own downfall. America’s financial and military support helped in strengthening the economy of France (Perkins 11-18). The impacts of this revolution spread all over the world, and monarchies in many other countries were replaced with peaceful and limited democracies, republics, and constitutional monarchies. The people of France were exceedingly delighted with the ideas of democracy and freedom sought by America. The US was significant in influencing their way of thinking. Later in 1780s American diplomats, visited France, and their presence tremendously impressed the people of France. The US helped in reviving the economy of France thus becoming an ally during the North Atlantic treaty. Despite America’s opposition in the acquisition of African colonies, the US still offered support to the Government of France in fighting the uprising (Perkins 29-37).

Why was it so violent and vicious?

The French revolution was violent and vicious because the government of France was fighting against a country that was already developed. It had to face battles with all the people who had the same ideas and different class systems. Many philosophers participated in bringing up the ideas of the revolution. Such philosophers had a significant influence in the way the entire country ran its affairs. Anyone who opposed the revolution was attacked. Evidently, this resulted into a state where everyone was against each other (Haltze and Klaits, 86-93).

Which Revolution was more important in the shaping of Western Cultures: the American Revolution or the French Revolution?

About shaping of the Western Cultures, the lack of Violence in American Revolution is glaring. The American Revolution brought significant changes for women, the poor, and slaves. Indeed, the American Revolution brought meaningful transformations in the western society. The revolution achieved its changes with minimal bloody violence compared to the French revolution. The most notable change was the creation of the new republican political institution, which has proven to be a remarkably long lasting and stable (Perkins 66-78).

Reference

Frey, Marsha. The French Revolution. Cambridge:  Cambridge University Press. 2004. Print.

Haltze, Michael and Klaits, Joseph. Global Ramifications of the French Revolution. New York:             Greenwood Publishing Group. 2002. Print.

Perkins, Breck. France in the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: Kessinger Publishing. 2005. Print