1. Atlantic Revolutions Introduction American, French, Haitian, & Latin American = The Atlantic Revolutions

2. Common Threads European absolutist and/or colonial governments were challenged Usually, the rising middle class people were behind the call for change Huge changes in social and political structures resulted All were inspired by Enlightenment thinkers All created important documents –Declaration of Independence (USA) –Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (France) –Jamaica Letter (Latin America

3. American Overall Causes: British colony Frustrated by mercantilist policies (econ exploitation) Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t Helped by French military (b/c France hated Britain) End Results: Independent from Britain in 1781 Limited democracy Republic

4. French Revolution Overall Causes: French gov’t bankrupt middle class wanted a say in gov’t (Ancien Regime was viewed as unjust) 2 Main Phases Moderate Phase (Constitutional Monarchy) BUT France was invaded by foreign governments & a crazy “mob mentality” developed Radical Phase (cut off King’s head, tried to implement full democracy) End Results Dictatorship under Napoleon Bonaparte (1799- 1815)

5. Haitian Revolution Overall Causes Most Haitians were slaves (more than 90% of the population) The French Revolution occurred “back home” (Haiti was a French sugar colony) While France was busy with foreign invasions and mob rule, slaves revolted End Results Independence from France in 1804 Toussaint L’Ouverture (former slave) became dictator and set the precedent for corrupt & dictator-filled Haitian gov’t today

6. Latin American Overall Causes Spanish & Portuguese colonies Frustrated by mercantilist policies (econ exploitation) Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t Fought wars of liberation led by Creole generals Bolivar & San Martin End Results Independence No single nation formed (as in USA) Attempted democracy, but upper class creoles held onto power/wealth at expense of the poor