American Revolution vs French Revolution

Enlightenment New age of thinking dealing with authority swept through the western world. John Locke (1632-1704) - Studied the relationship between the individual and the state, most of his work was largely anti-authoritarian. Voltaire - Wrote Candide in 1759 in which he analyzes the problem of evil in the world and depicts the woes heaped upon the world in the name of religion. Many monarchies were religious based (Divine right to rule) Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) - In 1762, Rousseau wrote The Social Contract arguing that members of a society were collectively the sovereign All individuals would participate directly in the formulation of policy and the creation of laws

America France Resisted Britain’s attempts to impose taxes and trade controls on the colonies. Overpopulation led young men to seek new opportunities Growing commerce led to farmers and artisans looking for ways to defend social equality and community spirit. Stamp Act of 1765 on all documents and pamphlets. Large population as disease, food shortages and morality declined. Capitalism introduced and the economy grew In lean years 90% of peasantry lived at or below subsistence level. Kings competed with officers for authority. King had been involved in religious controversies.

Political Social Economic