Why is it fair to say that France was more "revolutionary" under Robespierre than America was under George Washington?
Did you look up the word, "revolution" as I advised earlier this afternoon? Which country seems more revolutionary to you???
I did and I think it's the United States that was
O.K. This an opinion question -- so go with this answer.
I mean France
Be sure to have solid reasons for your answer.
To understand why it is fair to say that France was more "revolutionary" under Robespierre than America was under George Washington, we need to consider the historical context and the nature of the revolutions in both countries.
1. Historical Context:
France went through the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799, whereas America underwent the American Revolution from 1765 to 1783. The French Revolution was a response to the oppressive monarchy, the social inequalities, and the economic crisis of the time, whereas the American Revolution was primarily a fight against British colonial rule.
2. Scale and Intensity of Change:
The French Revolution brought about profound changes that affected almost every aspect of society, including politics, social structure, and cultural norms. It witnessed the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, the Reign of Terror, and radical reforms like the abolition of feudalism and the introduction of the metric system. The American Revolution, on the other hand, led to the separation of the American colonies from British rule, the establishment of the United States, and the adoption of a democratic system of government.
3. Extent of Radical Ideology:
The French Revolution was marked by an intense and widespread embrace of radical ideologies, such as republicanism, equality, and popular sovereignty. Prominent figures like Maximilien Robespierre led the revolutionary movement and implemented radical policies, including the execution of King Louis XVI and the Reign of Terror. In contrast, the American Revolution was more moderate in its approach, with leaders like George Washington seeking independence, representative government, and the protection of individual rights.
4. Legacy and Long-term Impact:
The French Revolution left a lasting impact on France and the world. It served as a catalyst for the spread of republican ideals and inspired future revolutionary movements. The American Revolution, while significant in its establishment of a democratic republic, did not lead to as far-reaching social and political changes globally.
So, it is fair to say that France was more "revolutionary" under Robespierre than America was under George Washington due to the wider-ranging changes, radical ideologies, and enduring impact of the French Revolution. However, it's important to note that comparisons between revolutions can be complex and subjective, and different factors can be taken into account depending on the perspective and criteria used for evaluation.