What the two great modern revolutions can teach us about democracy today. In 1790, the American diplomat and politician Gouverneur Morris compared the French and American Revolutions, saying that the French "have taken Genius instead of Reason for their guide, adopted Experiment instead of Experience, and wander in the Dark because they prefer Lightning to Light." Although both revolutions professed similar Enlightenment ideals of freedom, equality, and justice, there were dramatic differences. The Americans were content to preserve many aspects of their English heritage; the French sought a complete break with a thousand years of history. The Americans accepted nonviolent political conflict; the French valued unity above all. The Americans emphasized individual rights, while the French stressed public order and cohesion. Why did the two revolutions follow such different trajectories? What influence have the two different visions of democracy had on modern history? And what lessons do they offer us about democracy today? In a lucid narrative style, with particular emphasis on lively portraits of the major actors, Susan Dunn traces the legacies of the two great revolutions through modern history and up to the revolutionary movements of our own time. Her combination of history and political analysis will appeal to all who take an interest in the way democratic nations are governed.

The Age of Revolution is the period from approximately 1774 to 1849 in which a number of significant revolutionary movements occurred in many parts of Europe and the Americas. The period is noted for the change in government from absolutist monarchies to constitutionalist states and republics. Two most significant events of the period were the American Revolution and the French Revolution. This edition will give you the complete insight into these events, explaining the causes, connections and consequences of these two major revolutions that changed the entire course of human history.

Americans today have a love/hate relationship with France, but in How the French Saved America Tom Shachtman shows that without France, there might not be a United States of America. To the rebelling colonies, French assistance made the difference between looming defeat and eventual triumph. Even before the Declaration of Independence was issued, King Louis XVI and French foreign minister Vergennes were aiding the rebels. After the Declaration, that assistance broadened to include wages for our troops; guns, cannon, and ammunition; engineering expertise that enabled victories and prevented defeats; diplomatic recognition; safe havens for privateers; battlefield leadership by veteran officers; and the army and fleet that made possible the Franco-American victory at Yorktown. Nearly ten percent of those who fought and died for the American cause were French. Those who fought and survived, in addition to the well-known Lafayette and Rochambeau, include François de Fleury, who won a Congressional Medal for valor, Louis Duportail, who founded the Army Corps of Engineers, and Admiral de Grasse, whose sea victory sealed the fate of Yorktown. This illuminating narrative history vividly captures the outsize characters of our European brothers, their battlefield and diplomatic bonds and clashes with Americans, and the monumental role they played in America’s fight for independence and democracy.

In 'The Age of Revolution: History of the American & French Revolution (Vol. 1&2)', editors John Fiske and Charles Downer Hazen convene an enlightening exploration into the tumultuous period marking the late 18th century. This collection meticulously navigates between the ideological ebbs and flows that propelled the American and French revolutions, offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives that illuminate the eras complex socio-political tapestry. The anthology distinguishes itself by juxtaposing firsthand accounts, scholarly essays, and revolutionary correspondence, thus providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the revolutions' implications on modern democracy and national identity. The diversity of literary styles, from erudite analyses to impassioned polemics, enriches the discourse surrounding these pivotal events in world history. The editors have skillfully curated a volume that stands as a testament to the power and consequences of revolutionary thought and action. The contributing authors, John Fiske and Charles Downer Hazen, bring to the collection a wealth of knowledge grounded in their profound historical scholarship. Their backgrounds as esteemed historians are critical in knitting together a narrative that resonates with relevance and rigor. Aligning with historical and cultural movements of revisionist history, their collaborative work sheds light on the multifaceted ramifications of the revolutions, emphasizing the dynamism of the period. 'The Age of Revolution' is an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history alike. It invites readers into a vivid dialogue with the past, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of the revolutionary spirit. The anthology's breadth of content and perspectives offers a unique lens through which to examine the foundational moments of modern nation-states. Engaging with this collection promises not only to educate but also to inspire a renewed understanding of the revolutions that continue to shape our worlds political landscape.

This volume of the The New Cambridge Modern History looks specifically at the American and French Revolutions in the eighteenth century.