The Impact of the American Revolution & the War of Independence

What 2 Enlightened Americans played a big role in the American Revolution & how?

Benjamin Franklin - played an important role in the American Revolution & the subsequent est of a democratic govt

Thomas Jefferson - drew up the 1776 Declaration of Independence

• Had many Enlightenment themes e.g. the need for the consent of the governed & Montesquieu’s idea of a separation of powers

What 2 changes were made to the political/legal system in America?

• An executive was established (Pres.) whose power was limited by 2 leg assemblies (the Senate & the HORepresentatives) & an independent judiciary

• Equality before the law, security of property & the liberty of the citizen = enshrined in their new constitution

What was the general French opinion towards the AWI?

It was favoured

• Benjamin Franklin was sent from America in Dec 1776 to rally support & was welcomed as a guest in Parisian salons

• The French wanted revenge on the British for their defeat in the Seven Years War (they lost many overseas colonies in 1763 depleting their empire)

How did the French intervene in the AWI?

• The French supplied in aid (in secret) from early 1776 - by 1777 5mil+ livres had been sent

• The French formally intervened in 1788 → helped to bring about British defeat in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 (fighting formally ended in 1783)

Who was Lafayette?

A 20 yo Frenchman who enlisted & later became a war hero

• Was an aide to George Washington & a major-general

What was the significance of the AWI on France & the Enlightenment?

• Involvement in the war = extremely expensive

  • Weakened the (already weak) financial situation of the Crown

• French soldiers had been exposed to ideas of liberty and democracy

  • Many on return home demanded similar rights for the ppl of France

=> encouraged criticism of the absolute monarchy & its institutions leading to heightened temper