World History

The later part of the 18th century saw two important developments in the form of the American revolution (1776-1783) and the French revolution (starting from 1789). These two developments are said to have laid the foundation of the modern world because of the novel ideas preached and realized into practice during these revolutions.

How The American Revolution Laid The Foundation Of The Modern World

1.Democracy can be said as the greatest contribution of the revolution which can be seen in the modern world. The declaration of independence proclaimed that “all men are equal”. It provided an impetus to the people of the world to demand liberty and freedom. 2.The American Revolution gave rise to ideas, such as constitutionalism, rule of law, individualism, sovereignty, and separation of power which gained popularity in modern world history. 3.The revolution led to the first written constitution in the world which served as an inspiration for many nations who borrowed many ideas from the American constitution. The revolution led to the establishment of a republic based on the first written constitution in the world. 4.It inspired the people in Europe as well as other parts of the world to fight against their despotic regimes to compel the government to adopt the constitution.

1. It led to many uprisings in Europe, with the French revolution being the biggest. Many generals who participated in the war were instrumental in the French revolution.
2. Success of American nationalism inspired the emergence of the nationalist movement in European countries such as Spanish and Portuguese colonies in Central and South America to rebel and gain their independence.
3. It also inspired the nationalist movement in colonies like India during 19th and 20th century.
4. It also triggered a series of trans-Atlantic revolutions. Ex-French, Irish etc.

5. The idea of capitalism was also popularised by the success of the American Revolution. The British Empire had made various barriers on the colonial economies including manufacturing, trading and settlement. After the revolution, a path was constructed for markets and new trade relationships. 6. It triggered the process of decolonisation which continued for more than 200 years. The lessons learnt by the British government from its defeat in the war of American independence were implied in the newly emerging colonial empire in India in future. 7. Certain inalienable rights were given to the people – this limited the government against the authority of people and reduced government interference in their lives. The American war of independence laid stress on the rights of human beings. The “Declaration of Rights” of Thomas Jefferson awakened the people about their rights. 8. Thinkers like Thomas Paine also participated in the revolution. This led to a spread of modern ideas in Europe. John Locke ideas of natural rights, montesquieu’s ideas of separation of power.

How The French Revolution Laid The Foundation Of The Modern World:

1. The French Revolution had been a world-shaking event. For years to come its direct influence was felt in many parts of the world. It inspired revolutionary movements in almost every country of Europe (Germany and Italian unification) and in South and Central America. 2. The Birth of Ideologies :The French revolution gave birth to the Ideologies. Prior to the French Revolution, people lived in the world where a monarchial form of government had been ruling for centuries. However, after the French Revolution, this form of government was ended.

1. The Republicans fought against the monarchy or who favoured monarchy. Napoleon abolished the Holy Roman Empire and conquered many states of Germany and Italy and created conditions for their unification in the coming years.

3. Ideals of Modernity: Several Ideologies of liberty, equality, and fraternity are inspired by the French revolution, where all citizens promised individual freedoms, equality in status, and brotherhood. 4. Modern art and Culture: The Renaissance or revolutionary art movement was partially responsible for inspiring the French revolution. After the revolution culminated, this form of art spread across the world and gave rise to one of the modern art cultures that are present even today. 5. Democracy: It is one of the greatest contributions of the revolution as can be seen in the modern world. The revolution of 1789 inspired movements against colonialism for freedom and self-rule around the world. 6. Secularism: The revolution ended the sovereignty, despotism and corruption of the Church. The importance of the worship of intellect and reason became more prominent. 7. Eradication of Slavery System: The abolition of Slavery after the French revolution was the first move against this repressive system and Britain followed suit in 1833 while the USA banned it in 1865. 8.Constitutionalism: The first democratic constitution was the Jacobian constitution which however did not come into effect. It gave the right to vote to all, and even the Right to Insurrection implies that the right to revolt or rise against the government. Even the related attributes like human rights, fundamental rights also evolved from the revolution. 9.The root of modern day socialism is also traced from the French revolution. Babeuf in communist teaching is known as the 1st modern communist. He was a highly radical personality and staunch supporter of the idea of equality. 10. Ideas of Rousseau, Voltaire, John Locke were put into practice for the first time. The American and French revolution contributed to the ideals of modernity- liberty, equality, fraternity etc to the world. Besides these all, it paved a way for new markets and trade through which globalization phenomena came into existence. Thus, the French and American revolution had not only contributed to administrative reform but also helped in the growth of the modern economy, society and political structure. Most of the nations in modern times including India have adopted the ideas of these revolutions in their socio-economic and political system.