The 18th century was an important period in history, which shook the power of European Monarchies with the American Revolution (1775–1783) and the The American Revolution of 1776 was one of the most influential events in modern history, with its effects being felt worldwide. It influenced the French Revolution and had political and social implications that acted as major forces for change in the western world. This article will explore the examples of social, economical, cultural and political ideologies inspired by the American revolution that influenced the French Revolution. The American revolution marked a shift away from traditional monarchical rule towards a new form of government. It ushered in concepts of the democratic ideal, fundamental freedom, rights of citizens and religious pluralism. A. Rights of citizens, democratic ideals, and fundamental freedoms The Declaration of Independence emphasised the inherent rights that all people should possess without exception. It was a prime example of far-reaching changes that revolutionary laws can inspire. The Declaration of Independence also inspired the core ideals of the French Revolution, which led to the adoption of similar principles into their own legal systems. It also presented an opportunity for more democratic forms of government with citizens actively involved in decision-making processes. B. Separation of Church and State Although the concept of separation between church and state existed before 1776, but the establishment of an independent nation based on secularism made this concept much more intelligible, inspiring enlightenment thinking in other countries such as France, among many others. C. Abolishment of Aristocratic Rule The overthrowal of the British monarchy from the United States exposed people from other nations to potential implications for political liberation and social mobility from outdated hereditary hierarchies no longer relevant in society’s view. This concept further inspired the French revolutionaries in their struggle against the tyranny of the monarchy due to aristocratic leadership being replaced by popular ones. A. Impact of America’s war debts on France’s finances King Louis XVI of France provided financial aid to the American revolutionaries to assist with military operations. This increased the public debt of France and placed immense pressure on its budget. Additionally, the alliance with America in 1778 further increased the demand for finances as the war against the British intensified. Louis XVI had borrowed upwards of two billion livres to aid America by the time war finally ended in 1783. The increased level of public debt choked off the trade revenues of France and became one of the primary causes of France’s pre-revolution economic crisis. B. Effects of America’s War for Independence causing financial instability in Europe and leading to more stringent debt repayment demands from France’s creditors The intervention of Louis XVI in the American Revolution did not just cause financial instability in France but reverberated across Europe as a whole. These negative impacts increased exponentially as banks began closing down due to an increase in unpaid balances from those who could no longer afford to pay. The banks increased demands on existing borrowers like France, resulting in strict payment deadlines. It further destabilized domestic markets and forced France to levy direct taxation on the citizens just to meet the interest payments owed. C. Establishment of free trade ideas and opening up of global markets The American War for Independence served as an impetus for establishing free trade routes and opening up global markets to replace those established by the European monarchies. Colonial Independence movements began sprouting up across the new world and large swathes of Europe as reigning monarchies struggled with the pressure of currency devaluations owing to the loss of monopoly on trade revenue. A. Spread of new Enlightenment values throughout Europe inspired by America’s War for Independence The philosophical treatises written by the enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century, both contributed to and were inspired by the American Revolution. The enlightenment thinkers propagated ambitious ideas of governmental representation, human rights, individual liberty appreciation for science and scepticism towards religious doctrine. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense publication highlighting the events of the American Revolution was translated into French and widely disseminated. The news of America’s success following an agonizing war against one of the most powerful European nations inspired French citizens who lacked representation in their repressive system to have a revolution of their own. The enlightenment ideas partly inspired by the American Revolution later became important tenets across the pre-revolution French society. The American Revolution had a profound influence on the French Revolution. From the increased financial pressure on the French monarchy following their support for the French Revolution and their eventual alliance with America to inspiring political ideas such as representative democracy and liberalism. Additionally, the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of representative democracy encouraged the citizens of France to stand up for their rights and challenge the longstanding status quo of their own oppressive system. The American revolutionary movement inspired several future revolutions throughout the world, with the French Revolution becoming one of the most significant events in history.
Political ideologies created by the American revolution that influenced the French Revolution
How did the American revolution influence the French Revolution economically
Cultural Influence of the American Revolution on the French Revolution
Conclusion: Summary of American Influences on the French Revolution