The Origin and Fallout of French, American, and Haitian Revolutions

Introduction

One of the most significant revolutionary waves in the world’s history is the Atlantic Revolutions, 1750-1830. The three major Atlantic Revolutions include the American, France, and Haitian Revolutions. The revolutions were characterized by the rejection of the authority of the traditional ruling class or the aristocracy. Notably, whereas the three revolutions had positive outcomes, they also had negative consequences. This essay seeks to explore the origin and fallout of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions.

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The American Revolution, 1775-1883

            The American Revolution was the fight for independence by the 13 of Britain’s North American colonies. The revolution followed more than a decade of estrangement between the colonies and the British crown; owing to the crown’s attempts to assert greater control over the colonies’ affairs, which was against the long adhered to the policy of statutory neglect (Judge & Langdon, 2009). The negative consequences of the American Revolution include economic decline and thousands of deaths. Due to the revolution, America lost its primary trading partner, Great Britain; this slowed America’s economy almost to a halt and fueled inflation. Additionally, America had a tough time paying the loan they had acquired from France to fund the war. Besides, the economic impact of the war also caused thousands of deaths. Even though America won, at least 6,500 Americans died in action. Britain lost at least 24,000 soldiers (CITE).

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The French Revolution, 1787-1799

The French Revolution origin was a widespread discontent of the citizens with the French monarchy. The French were also unhappy with the poor economic policies, such as heavy taxes implemented by King Louis XVI. Additionally, the American Revolution in which France participated inspired the French to carry out their revolution (Judge & Langdon, 2009). The negative consequences of the course included economic collapse and thousands of deaths. The French Revolution led to the total collapse of the French economy. The war was characterized by rioting and looting. Moreover, when the conflict became violent, France nobles fled the country with their wealth and knowledge. It took a long time for France’s societal aspects to be restored. Moreover, during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, more than 40,000 people were killed (Armitage & Subrahmanyam, 2009).

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The Haitian Revolution, 1791-1804

            The Haitian Revolution was a series of conflicts between the Haitian slaves, colonists, and the armies of the British and French colonizers. Three key reasons caused the revolution: (1) the frustrated aspirations of the affranchis, (2) slave owners’ brutality, and (3) inspiration from the French Revolution (Judge & Langdon, 2009).  The negative consequences of the revolution include economic decline and a significant death toll. The Haitian Revolution caused an economic decline that left the nation in poverty. The revolution saw the destruction of Haiti’s capital and infrastructure. Up to date, Haiti has not been able to rebuild its wealth, and it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The revolution also caused a death toll of approximately 345,000 soldiers; notably, this number incorporates Black, French, British, and White colonist soldiers (Armitage & Subrahmanyam, 2009).

Conclusion

            To sum up, the three Atlantic revolutions discussed in this essay were characterized by the rejection of the authority of the traditional ruling class or the aristocracy. Notably, their fallouts were arguably similar, although they varied in magnitude. The negative consequences of the revolutions included economic decline and death tolls to the tune of thousands.

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