Two Revolutions, One Legacy: The Enduring Impact of 1776 and 1789

With the end in mind

Both July 4 and July 14 commemorate more than just the birth of two modern nations—they represent a global shift toward liberty, equality, and human dignity. As the world continues to grapple with questions of justice, governance, and freedom, the legacies of 1776 and 1789 remain as relevant as ever.

An Overview

On July 4 and July 14 of 2025, the United States and France celebrated their 249th and 236th anniversaries of independence, respectively. While each revolution was rooted in unique historical, social, and political conditions, both sparked sweeping socio-political movements that have shaped the world for over two centuries. The significance of these revolutions cannot be overstated. Their legacies live on—complex, evolving, and deeply embedded in the values and institutions of the modern world. In examining their impact, it is instructive to consider these transformative events side by side.

The United States, July 4, 1776 – The American Revolution (War for Independence) 

The American Revolution originated from a growing frustration among British colonial subjects over taxation, governance, and autonomy. While often framed as a fight against tyranny, the revolution may have been more about economic independence and self-rule. Political elites and economic leaders in the colonies—such as Jefferson, Washington, Adams, and Hamilton—championed the cause.

The Declaration of Independence, crafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, provided a compelling argument for severing ties with the British Crown. It articulated Enlightenment ideals of liberty and natural rights, inspiring not only American colonists but also future revolutionaries across the globe—including those in France.

Ironically, the French monarchy under King Louis XVI supported the American cause, largely to weaken Britain, France’s long-time rival. This support, however, contributed to France’s mounting debt and domestic discontent—factors that would later fuel its own revolution.

France, July 14, 1789 – The French Revolution

The storming of the Bastille—a notorious symbol of royal oppression—marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Unlike the American Revolution, which had relatively defined political goals, the French Revolution evolved into a prolonged period of radical social and political upheaval.

The roots of the French Revolution lay in centuries of structural inequality. Under the Ancien Régime, French society was divided into three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (everyone else—about 98% of the population). This rigid hierarchy granted immense privileges to the elite while burdening commoners with taxes and exclusion from political power.

Compounding these injustices were:

• A deeply indebted monarchy

• A corrupt and outdated legislative body (the Estates General), which had not convened since 1614

• Widespread poverty and famine

• The influence of Enlightenment philosophy

• The ineffectual leadership of Louis XVI, who lacked the decisiveness and authority of his great-great-grandfather Louis XIV

These pressures created a volatile environment, and when revolution came, it swept across France with a force that would change the course of history. From the execution of the king and queen, and its accompanying Reign of Terror, to the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, the revolution fundamentally reshaped France and much of Europe.

Comparing Origins and Goals

The American Revolution was largely a movement to preserve rights that colonists believed they already held, particularly the right to self-government and freedom from arbitrary taxation. Colonists viewed British actions between 1763 and 1775—including the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Coercive (Intolerable) Acts—as infringements on long-standing liberties.

By contrast, the French Revolution was an attempt to redefine society entirely. It aimed to dismantle centuries-old structures of power, privilege, and monarchy. Where the Americans sought independence from an external power, the French sought justice and relief from their own system of governance.

Extracting Meaning from it all

While each revolution emerged from different causes and followed distinct paths, both left an indelible mark on world history. The American Revolution helped lay the foundation for modern democracy, constitutional government, and the protection of individual rights. It set a precedent for colonial independence movements throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The French Revolution, though more turbulent, influenced the global spread of republicanism, secularism, universal suffrage, and political ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, and nationalism. It showed the world not only the power of revolutionary change but also its risks and contradictions.

Together, these revolutions signaled a turning point: a new era where governments would be challenged to justify their authority not by "divine right" or tradition, but by the consent of the governed.

Sources

American Revolution

• Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution: A History (Modern Library, 2002)

• Zinn, Howard, The People’s History of the United States (HarperCollins, 2003)

French Revolution

• William Doyle, The Oxford History of the French Revolution (Oxford University Press, 2002)

• Simon Schama, Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution (Vintage, 1989)

  
  

Enlightenment & Political Thought

• Jonathan Israel, Radical Enlightenment (Oxford University Press, 2001)

• Rousseau, The Social Contract (1762)