In what sense was the French Revolution tied to the American Revolution and to even earlier French thinkers such as Rousseau, etc.?

The French Revolution was closely tied to both the American Revolution and earlier French thinkers such as Rousseau for a variety of reasons. To understand this connection, first, we need to look at the underlying ideas and principles that influenced all three events.

The American Revolution, which took place between 1765 and 1783, was primarily driven by a desire for independence from British colonial rule and a belief in democratic principles. This revolution set a precedent for challenging the authority of monarchy and establishing the rights of individuals.

Even before the American Revolution, French intellectuals like Rousseau had been influential in shaping Enlightenment ideas. Rousseau, in particular, wrote extensively about social and political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of popular sovereignty and the social contract between the people and their government. These ideas challenged the prevailing belief in an absolute monarch and the divine right of kings.

The French Revolution, which began in 1789 and lasted for a decade, drew heavily on these Enlightenment ideals. It was influenced by the belief in popular sovereignty, equality, and individual rights, concepts that directly stemmed from the American Revolution and Rousseau's ideas. Additionally, the American Revolution proved that a successful revolution was possible, providing inspiration and encouragement to the French.

Moreover, the French Revolution also drew inspiration from the American Revolution's emphasis on republicanism, where power is vested in elected representatives rather than a monarchy. The French revolutionaries sought to overthrow the monarchy, establish a republic, and dismantle the feudal system that oppressed the common people.

Furthermore, during the French Revolution, many Enlightenment thinkers' ideas resurfaced and gained popularity. Rousseau's notion of a social contract and his belief in the general will of the people were particularly influential during this period. The revolutionaries saw themselves as fulfilling the ideals of these thinkers, aiming to create a society based on reason, equality, and liberty.

To recap, the French Revolution was tied to the American Revolution and earlier French thinkers, such as Rousseau, based on shared Enlightenment ideals of democracy, equality, and individual rights. The American Revolution set a precedent and inspired the French, while the ideas of Rousseau and other philosophers profoundly influenced the revolutionary movement.