In many ways, the American and French Revolutions seem similar. I will try to compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions to highlight why I see them as similar to each other. Enlightenment is the term used to describe the bias of thought and communication in Europe and America during the 18th century before the French Revolution. These ideas included the philosophical ideas of equality before the law; a centralization involves a government of the middle classes, a government not in the hands of rich vagabond landowners but a government elected by all mortals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In 17 an unstoppable increase in newspapers and newspapers ensured a wide diffusion of philosophy and ideas on both sides of the Ocean. The French Revolution was a social and political revolution. Different classes of people had enjoyed different rights and dignity. High landowners had rights over peasant labor, the clergy were exempt from taxes, and the court consumed much of the wealth in the form of taxes and tithes. Complex laws prevented working peasants from selling their products and prevented them from advancing economically. The immense city had different taxes and tolls, making it impossible for the industry to grow and compete with other European countries. But French humanity was changing. A new emerging middle class was beginning to gain more economic power although it had no political power. These people could not have progressed under mercantilism; they embraced the ideas of freedom of government, industry, and commerce. The French people took courage from the American Revolution in believing that a handful of colonies could defeat the sizable world empire. A notable and significant difference between the two revolutions was in their constitutions. Some believe this is the main reason why the two revolutions went differently. The French constitution was modeled on the English one, with the king as the main symbol of national unity. The real authority placed in parliament, or the enlightened middle class, who were supposed to represent the two revolutions, I think the American Revolution captured the essence of freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness in more ways than the French Revolution. It is difficult to actually define what freedom, freedom and happiness truly are. As time has told, all three terms have had different implications throughout the journey of history. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, I don't think the French Revolution reached such a level of happiness for a few main reasons. First, many more lives were lost and more blood was shed. Secondly, the French had to change their entire lifestyle, government, economy, politics, etc. Third, in just a couple of years, they attempted to accomplish what the Americans had achieved over the course of many others. The French Revolution was a considerably more violent revolution than the American Revolution or even American colonialism. I think the French felt the horror and devastating effects of their revolution long before they considered it a “pursuit of happiness”..