Revolution is a term that denotes the act of forcibly overthrowing a government, an establishment or a social order to pave the way for a new system. It is essential to indicate that the masses form the basis of any revolution and that each revolution always has a reason or reasons that push the masses to overthrow a regime. Social injustices or inequality have formed the basis for many revolutions that happened in the past. In general, this paper will analyze the French, British industrial, and American Revolution outlining the reason for the revolt, the process, significant innovations, and the impact that it had on Western societies.
Poor Economic Policies by King Louis XVI
The French Revolution that began in 1789 and ended 1790s was caused by the widespread discontent by the masses against the French monarchy as well as the poor economic policies of King Louis XVI. Ideally, the King’s economic policies suppressed the common man. The bourgeoisie came to a point where they got tired of working so hard and reaping peanuts from their efforts ( Hough, 2017). The proceeds that they worked for went to the ruling class while leaving them in abject poverty.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
British Industrial Revolution
Industrial production, iron smelting, agricultural production, coal extraction, steam power, and the railways caused the British Industrial Revolution. Ideally, all the factors above resulted in mass production of agricultural products that required processing thus creating the demand for industries. The people had also developed a liking for processed products and therefore guaranteed the market ( Hough, 2017).
The American Revolution
British colonies revolted against intolerable acts, taxes, laws, Boston blockade, the founding of the colonies among many other reasons. In addition, the colonies united and found strength amongst one another and thereafter decided to challenge their colonial master. The challenge resulted in a bloodbath that finally gave the colonies their independence following the exit of Britain ( Hough, 2017).
The Process
The 18th century saw France coming to the brink of bankruptcy due to the extravagance of King Louis XVI as well as his predecessor. The depletion of royal coffers and decades of poor harvests, cattle diseases, drought, and increasing prices of bread kindled the unrest among the urban poor and the peasant farmers. Many of the people in the thirteen British colonies expressed their resentment and desperation towards the regime that imposed many taxes on them without giving them some relief by looting, rioting, and striking ( Mason, 2018).
Major Innovations
Notably, in the fall of 1786, Charles Alexandre de Calonne Louis XVI’s controller general introduced a financial reform package that incorporated a universal land tax that included the privileged classes. The Great Fear that saw the looting the looting and burning of homes belonging to tax collectors and landlords compelled the Constituent Assembly to abolish feudalism. The revolution also led to the establishment of citizens' rights as well as those of the Citizen ( Mason, 2018). The revolution also led to the establishment of the French Constitution and the Constitutional Monarchy. Later on, the revolution intensified leading to the total abolishment of the monarchy. The National Convention replaced the Legislative Assembly.
The American Revolution, on the other hand, led to the abolishment of colonies in America giving rise to free states. The former colonies emerged and free states which later united to form a confederation. The Industrial revolution in Europe led to the introduction of processed industrial products. It also gave rise to waged labor where industrial workers obtained their daily pay that was commensurate with their efforts. Most importantly, the British Industrial revolution led to the emergence of the capitalistic society ( Mason, 2018).
Impact of the Revolution on Western Societies
France embarked on spreading revolutionary ideas in entire Europe through warfare. The French and American Revolution harbored the ideas of democratic rights and liberty that to date still stand as the most important legacy of the revolution. The ideas spread across entire Europe during the 19th century leading to the abolition of the feudal systems ( Mason, 2018). Societies reorganized themselves accommodating the democratic ideals and allowing citizens to have their liberties and rights that been suppressed by the feudal regimes of the time.
It is essential to indicate that the ideas and the influence of the French Revolution led to the overthrowing of oppressive regimes in Austria, Italy, and Germany. Citizens took it upon themselves to overturn what they deemed as oppressive regimes while replacing them with democratic ones that demonstrated the power of the people ( Mason, 2018). Overall, the French Revolution had political, social and economic impacts on societies in Europe. Socially, the society restored the status of every member as equal eliminating the privileged classes. Economically, the revolutions ensured equality in the community by restoring resources held by the privileged class to the ordinary citizen. Politically, monarchs paved the way for democratic regimes.
References
Hough, J. F. (2017). Lessons from Revolutions. Independent Review , 22 (2).
Mason, D. (2018). Revolution and transition in east-central Europe . Routledge.
