Why is it fair to say that France was more "revolutionary" under Robespierre than America was under George Washington?
http://www.age-of-the-sage.org/historical/biography/maximilien_robespierre.html
What do you think?
Um I'm guessing France was more revolutionary?
I agree.
Wait no it wouldn't be fair because Robespierre governed France nearly as a dictator?
Wait if it is fair why????
I'm confused....
Study these definitions of revolution. They should help you decide.
http://www.google.com/search?q=revolutionary+definition&oq=revolutionary+d&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.13782j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#es_sm=93&espv=210&q=revolution+definition
So it is fair to say yes because they got a new government and new leader during their revolution????
To assess the level of revolution in France under Robespierre and in America under George Washington, we need to understand the context and factors that contributed to their respective revolutionary periods. While it could be argued that France was more "revolutionary" under Robespierre than America under Washington, fairness depends on the perspective and criteria used to evaluate their revolutionary nature. Here's an explanation of how to approach this comparison:
1. Contextualize the Revolutions:
- French Revolution: The French Revolution, which lasted from 1789 to 1799, was a period of significant political, social, and cultural upheaval, characterized by the overthrow of the old regime and the rise of radical ideologies.
- American Revolution: The American Revolution occurred from 1775 to 1783, aiming to gain independence from British rule and establish a new nation based on democratic principles.
2. Assess Revolutionary Ideals:
- French Revolution: The French Revolution embodied radical principles, including the pursuit of social equality, the end of monarchy, and the idea of popular sovereignty. It sought to dismantle the entire social, political, and economic structure, leading to profound changes and reforms.
- American Revolution: The American Revolution mainly fought for political independence and self-governance from British rule, with a focus on representation and natural rights. While it established a democratic framework with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it wasn't as encompassing in terms of social and economic transformation.
3. Evaluate Sociopolitical Changes:
- French Revolution: Under Robespierre's leadership during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), the French Revolution underwent a radical phase. It witnessed massive societal transformations, such as the execution of King Louis XVI, the abolition of feudalism, the rise of revolutionary tribunals, and the implementation of egalitarian policies, albeit often accompanied by violence and repression.
- American Revolution: In comparison, the American Revolution resulted in the formation of a new nation, the United States. It introduced democratic principles, a republican government, and a bill of rights. While significant, it saw less upheaval in terms of societal restructuring compared to the French Revolution.
4. Consider Long-Term Impact:
- French Revolution: The French Revolution's radical phase had a profound and lasting impact on French society, politics, and global history. Its ideals had worldwide influence, and it sparked subsequent revolutions and reforms across Europe, though it also led to periods of instability.
- American Revolution: The American Revolution shaped the foundations of the United States, laying the groundwork for democratic governance, individual rights, and constitutional frameworks. Its influence spread globally, inspiring other independence movements, but with a narrower scope than the French Revolution.
While both periods had their significance and revolutionary elements, the French Revolution under Robespierre can be seen as more "revolutionary" due to the depth and extent of the societal, political, and cultural changes it brought forth. Nevertheless, fairness in comparing them lies in acknowledging the different goals, contexts, and outcomes of these two distinct revolutions in France and America.