Atlantic Revolutions Introduction American French Haitian Latin American

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

Common Themes • European absolutist and/or colonial governments were challenged by people who wanted greater democracy** • Usually, a growing middle class of people were behind the call for change • Huge changes in social and political structures resulted (but most often the changes were NOT as revolutionary as we think they were!) • 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 (Simon Bolivar in Latin America)

American Independence • Overall Causes: • British colony • Frustrated by mercantilist policies of the British gov’t (economic exploitation of colonies) • Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t • They were not fighting for change • They were fighting for what they already thought they had Freedom • Helped by French military (b/c France hated Britain) • End Results: • Independent from Britain in 1783 • Limited democracy with strong checks on the people’s power

The Radicalism of the American Revolution • The economic, social, religious, cultural, and political circumstances of most Americans had not been dramatically altered • The revolution had been conservative • What had changed were ideas • All men are created equal • Rule based on consent of the governed • A nation built on law

French Revolution • Overall Causes: • French gov’t bankrupt • Middle class wanted a say in gov’t (Ancien Regime was viewed as unjust) & weak King Louis XVI • 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 true democracy) • End Results • Dictatorship under Napoleon Bonaparte (17991815) b/c France just wanted stability again!

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 during the Radical Phase of their own revolution, slaves revolted in their colony • End Results • Independence from France in 1804 • Toussaint L’Ouverture (former slave) became dictator • Corrupt & dictator-filled Haitian gov’t today

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