American and French Revolutions (Essay Sample)

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Compare and contrast the revolution in Haiti with the American and French Revolutions.
The Haiti, American, and French revolutions were able to achieve their political goals, although with varying degrees, which cause great losses to the countries. French and Haitian faced more opposition as compared to their American counterpart. American patriots were, therefore, able to defeat the Great Britain and established independence without having to overturn the colonial social order. The Haitian and French revolutions were able to push forward the idea of democracy and equality beyond the boundaries the American Revolution had established (U.S. History). They did this despite the terrible monetary, human, and social costs. Most revolutions that took place across the world were all inspired by the radical philosophies of enlightenment.
The American Revolution emphasized on popular sovereignty, which stated that the general will of the people should influence the power of the government. The concept was formulated by Rousseau and claimed equality in all men. The American constitution also insisted the first priority of the government should be protecting its citizens. The French Revolution, on the other hand, wanted reforms such as freedom of the press and imposition of fair taxes. They also fought for equality in taxation, where the privileged people had special legal status and exclusive rights, and they were also exempted from paying taxes. The revolution, thus, wanted fair treatment in such legal matters. The Haitian revolution fought for a different course, which was an end to slavery, racism, and national independence (U.S. History).
All the three Revolutions attained their political objectives. The United States acquired a system of representative government, but slavery continued since the vote went to a minority of the adult male population. In France, some of the reforms were upheld by the French ruler, Napoleon. However, Napoleon was reactant to the state of authoritarianism in the country. Haiti was the only country that was able to achieve all of its political goals. By the time the revolution was ending, Haiti had already acquired her independence with no slavery and racial equality.
Evaluate the reasons for Napoleon's rise to power and his unprecedented popularity among the French people.  Discuss Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia.
Though Napoleon Bonaparte was not born into power, he spent his early life in military school while in France. He came into the limelight during the French Revolution after it left the country in a terrible state. The army had been weak and the people were not willing to fight. There was no one to encourage the army or the people to fight. During this time, France needed someone who would steer up the army and lead the nation into the fight for freedom. Napoleon was one such person who fitted the position. He was later promoted as the commander of the artillery of the Italian army during the siege of Toulan. He planned several battles and which made people have a little trust in his leadership. Another instance that made him become very popular was when he headed to Italy with ill and malnourished soldiers. However, he was able to encourage them and they were able to win various wars.
Napoleon is regarded as one of the best military tacticians in history. One of the greatest battles that set Napoleon to the top was the disastrous invasion in Russia. He took power in 1799 and after that he won several battles that gave him control over Europe. Napoleon’s move to attack Russia was to act as a lesson to Alexander. The French emperor, thus, raised a massive army from all over Europe to Russia in 1812. It was termed as one of the biggest army since the Crusades. It comprised of approximately 450, 000 soldiers who were to around 200,000 Russian soldiers (Jesse Greenspan). Napoleon wanted to win a quick battle that would make Alexander give in to negotiations. The battle involved mass death of soldiers from both sides. Napoleon was determined to win over Russia. Although Napoleon had worn several battles, he was defeated in 1813 at the battle of Laipzg. Other leaders who came after Napoleon tried to defeat Russia, but it all ended up in vain.
Discuss the three estates of the Estates-General and their conflicting interests. Discuss Maximilien Robespierre and the Reign of Terror.
Estates-General also referred to as States General comprised of the clergy, nobility and the third state. The third estate was given a greater numerical representation while the clergy and nobility were given the privileged minority. However, the three orders did not agree because conflict interests. For instance, t...