The American Revolution “Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of this political theory was its deep –seated conservatism. However radical the principles of the Revolution may have seemed to the rest of the world, in the minds of the colonists they were thoroughly preservative and respectful of the past” Clinton Rossiter

The French Revolution “On 14 July, the insurgents set their eyes on the large weapons and ammunition cache inside the Bastille fortress, which was also perceived to be a symbol of monarchist tyranny. After several hours of combat, the prison fell that afternoon. Despite ordering a cease fire, which prevented a mutual massacre, Governor Marquis Bernard de Launay was beaten, stabbed and decapitated; his head was placed on a pike and paraded about the city.” – (From a book by Simon Schama) Can you imagine George Washington leading troops of the continental army to do something like this? For more information on the French Revolution and differences between it and the American Revolution see Dr. Strong’s History of Creativity slides: http://mfg202.groups.et.byu.net/pages/lectures/index.php

The Declaration of the Rights of Man “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may only be founded upon the general good.” “Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights.” “A common contribution is essential for the maintenance of the public forces and for the cost of administration. This should be equitably distributed among all the citizens in proportion to their means” Are these truths also self evident?

The American Revolution “…The political theory of the American Revolution, in contrast to that of the French Revolution, was not a theory designed to make the world over” Clinton Rossiter Do you agree with this assessment of the American Revolution as compared to the French Revolution? Why or why not? Was the American Revolution still radical in its own right?