Similarities and differences between the four Atlantic Revolutions

The four Atlantic revolutions: the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, and the Latin American revolutions, share several similarities and differences affecting their causes, processes, and outcomes.

Similarities

1. Enlightenment Ideas:

   • All revolutions were inspired by Enlightenment ideals promoting liberty, equality, and fraternity.

2. Resistance to Authority:

   • Each revolution involved a rebellion against oppressive systems, be it colonial rule or absolute monarchy.

3. Struggle for Independence:

   • These revolutions fought for self-governance and sovereignty, although the extent and impact varied.

4. Class and Social Structure Impact:

   • Class discontent played a major role, with emerging middle classes in America and Europe seeking more power and rights, while enslaved and marginalized groups sought freedom in Haiti and Latin America.

5. Influence of Other Revolutions:

   • The success of one revolution inspired others, especially seen in the connection between the American and French Revolutions.

Differences

1. Goals and Motivations:

   • The American Revolution primarily sought independence from British rule; the French Revolution aimed at radical political change and social equality; the Haitian Revolution fought against slavery; while Latin American revolutions sought both independence and the establishment of new governments.

2. Outcomes and Legacies:

   • The American and Haitian Revolutions led to the establishment of independent nation-states; the French Revolution, though initially successful in achieving goals, ultimately resulted in the rise of Napoleon; and the Latin American revolutions produced numerous independent countries, but often continued struggles with governance and stability.

3. Violence and Methods:

   • The French Revolution was marked by extreme violence and the Reign of Terror; the American Revolution featured a more conventional warfare approach; the Haitian Revolution was characterized by a massive slave uprising; and Latin American revolutions involved a mixture of guerrilla warfare and conventional battles.

4. Role of Foreign Intervention:

   • Foreign support was significant in the American Revolution (from France) and most Latin American revolutions; in contrast, the French and Haitian Revolutions faced foreign hostility and intervention from other nations frightened by the spread of revolutionary ideas.