INDEPENDENCE: 1783-1791 Show
Europeans had long regarded American colonists as unsophisticated and uninteresting people, at best regular consumers of their exported goods. But with the Americans' victory in the Revolution—and the enlightened declarations they issued to justify their rebellion—they were deemed worthy of another look, especially in France which had risked much and spent much to support the Patriots' cause. Barely eight years after the military end of the American Revolution, France would erupt in its own revolution, overthrowing the monarch and dismantling its ancient institutions, with tragically different results. Presented here are two French perspectives on the American victory and its meaning—one written after the American Revolution, the other after the French Revolution of 1789. Both Frenchmen lauded America as a model for Europe that proved Enlightenment ideals could be realized in the body politic. Adulation is not an unfitting term for their praise, given the absolute certainty they held for the success of the United States.
Discussion Questions
Framing Questions
Printing Robin, 1782 Supplemental Sites Images: Banner image: Final design for the Great Seal of the United States, 1782, by Secretary of State Charles Thomson (detail). Courtesy of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. *PDF file - You will need software on your computer that allows you to read and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this software, you may download it FREE from Adobe's Web site. How did America view the French Revolution?The United States remained neutral, as both Federalists and Democratic-Republicans saw that war would lead to economic disaster and the possibility of invasion. This policy was made difficult by heavy-handed British and French actions.
How did the French Revolution affect the relationship between the United States and France?The French Revolution lasted from 1789 until 1799. The Revolution precipitated a series of European wars, forcing the United States to articulate a clear policy of neutrality in order to avoid being embroiled in these European conflicts.
How did America change as a result of the American Revolution?Political and social life changed drastically after independence. Political participation grew as more people gained the right to vote. In addition, more common citizens (or “new men”) played increasingly important roles in local and state governance. Hierarchy within the states underwent significant changes.
Why was the French Revolution a problem for the United States?Radical Ideologies
The French Revolution lost some U.S. support when French citizens migrated to the United States to escape their war-torn country. Many refugees started their own newspapers and propaganda campaigns, encouraging Americans to support their radical ideas and political agendas.
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