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

2. 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)
This is NOT the democracy we think of today - - this is “democracy” meaning middle class white guys get to participate and everyone else is not a “citizen” of the nation in the same participatory way.

3. American Independence
Overall Causes:
British colony
Frustrated by mercantilist policies of the British gov’t (econ exploitation of colonies)
Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t
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

4. 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 ( ) b/c France just wanted stability again!

5. 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

6. 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