Age of Revolutions: American Revolution French Revolution Latin Revolution

The Road to Revolution People were dissatisfied with governments. Many laws and rulers were unfair. Citizens often did not have a voice in decision making. People decided to fight for their freedom. Wars for freedom were called revolutions.

Most of the revolutions occurred between 1775 and = American Revolution = French Revolution = Napoleon’s rule = Latin American Revolution

The American Revolution Great Britain’s King George III ruled the American colonies. The 13 colonies had to pay taxes to England. They had no representation in the British Parliament. This angered the colonists.

The colonists decided to fight for independence. The colonists wrote a document outlining their wants. This document was called the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was the author of the document. This declaration broke ties with Great Britain.

General George Washington led the American troops the American Revolution began. America fought Great Britain. The war lasted for six years. The Americans won independence from Great Britain.

The French Revolution Louis XVI was the monarch of France. His wife was Queen Maria Antoinette. The French people watched and admired America. Before the revolution, there were 3 classes for people. Each group was called an Estate.

The French Class System The 1st Estate was made up of people who worked for the Catholic Church. The 2nd Estate was the wealthy, noblemen. The 3rd Estate was the peasants, lawyers, doctors, etc. The 3rd Estate was the largest and least powerful.

The 3rd Estate Rebels The poor people complained to the king and queen about: high taxes unfair taxes poor standard of living

A New Government is Formed The 3rd Estate started a new government called the National Assembly. The Assembly was created to pass new laws and make reforms. King Louis XVI did not listen to the National Assembly.

The French Revolution Begins The 3rd estate formed a mob and rioted in the street. They broke into the Bastille. The Bastille was a prison where gunpowder and supplies were stored. July 14, 1789 is today known as Bastille Day. Bastille Day is the day the French celebrate as the beginning of the Revolution.

Fear Sweeps France Many innocent people died during this time period. This period was called the Reign of Terror. Louis XVI and Maria Antoinette were executed. Most were put to death by the guillotine. The guillotine was a device designed to behead the victim.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Liberty, Equality, Fraternity became the motto for the French. This motto means all people should have freedom, equal rights, and brotherhood. A new governing body called the “Directory” took power but lost it to Napoleon.

The New Government Napoleon Bonaparte became the new ruler of France. Napoleon was a national hero and the people trusted him. He wanted to conquer the world which led to war with Europe Napoleon became very powerful and even made his brother the King of Spain.

Spain Spain had colonies in Latin America. Latin America includes the countries south of the United States. The people of Latin America wanted their freedom from Spain Napoleon lost power in Europe. The people of Latin America chose this time to revolt.

1812 Mexico Wins Its Freedom Mexico was the first Spanish colony to win its freedom. Father Miguel Hidalgo led the Mexican rebellion. He was killed by the Spanish and is today considered a hero in Mexico.

Other Latin American Colonies Seek Freedom Simon Bolivar fought for the freedom of Venezuela. Bolivar also helped many other colonies gain their freedom. Jose de San Martin fought for Argentina’s freedom Peru became the last colony in South America to gain independence.

Key Concepts and Terms 1. Revolution12. Thomas Jefferson 2. Estates13. George III 3. Declaration of Independence14. Louis XVI 4. Monarch15. Miguel Hidalgo 5. First Estate16. Simon Bolivar 6. Second Estate17. Jose de San Martin 7. Third Estate18. Maria Antoinette 8. National Assembly19. Guillotine 9. Bastille 10. Napoleon 11. George Washington