3.2 Patterns of Revolution

Introduction to Atlantic Revolutions

• Time frame: 1770s to 1820s

• Focus on large-scale political revolutions

• Concept of revolution vs. rebellion or revolt

  • Changes in government via elections do not constitute revolutions

• Overview of Atlantic Revolutions:

  • American Revolution

  • French Revolution

  • Haitian Revolution

  • Latin American Revolutions

Key Patterns of Revolutions

• Importance of identifying common themes in these revolutions

• Three main patterns:

  1. Enlightenment thought

  2. Class conflict

  3. Nationalist identities

1. Enlightenment Thought

• Enlightenment ideas spurred the revolutions:

  • Influenced by philosophers like John Locke

  • Thomas Jefferson as a key figure in the American Revolution

    • Author of the Declaration of Independence, reflective of Enlightenment ideals

  • Abigail Adams’ contributions:

    • Advocacy for gender equality in her letters to John Adams

    • Quotes highlighting women's rights and their role in education

    • Suggested women need education to raise better citizens

  • French Revolution:

    • Emphasis on constitutionalism vs. absolutism

    • Tennis Court Oath: foundation of the French National Assembly

  • Haitian Revolution:

    • Enslaved people's struggle for freedom influenced by Enlightenment values of equality

    • Toussaint Louverture as a leader promoting these ideas

2. Class Conflict

• Role of social classes in the revolutions:

  • American Revolution often led by wealthy individuals (e.g., John Hancock, George Washington)

    • Conflict with mercantilism emphasized class struggle and dissatisfaction

  • French Revolution characterized by the Estates system:

    • Three estates: clergy, nobility, and the Third Estate (commoners)

    • The Third Estate bore all tax burdens, causing resentment and revolutionary sentiment

  • Haitian Revolution's complex social structure:

    • Class divisions among white plantation owners, colored populations, and enslaved people

    • Evolution of conflict leading enslaved populations to rise against oppression

  • Latin America:

    • Creoles (wealthy local elites) vs. peninsulares (Spanish-born officials) as a source of discontent

    • Creole leadership in independence movements due to mercantilist restrictions

3. Nationalist Identities

• Nationalism vs. state concepts:

  • Nation = shared identity among people

  • State = political governance structure

• American Revolution:

  • Emergence of the United States as a nation-state (George Washington as symbol of unity)

• French Revolution:

  • Creation of national symbols (e.g., the tricolor) and unifying slogans (liberté, égalité, fraternité)

    • Development of a national identity aligned with revolutionary principles

• Haitian Revolution:

  • Unity of formerly enslaved people and free people of color against colonial rule

    • The adoption of the name "Haiti" symbolizing independence

• Latin American Revolutions:

  • Simon Bolivar's vision for creating a unified Gran Colombia

    • Short-lived unity; regional identities proved stronger

Conclusion

• Summary of the three patterns and their significance in understanding the Atlantic Revolutions

• Encouragement for further exploration and questions on the topic

• Availability of supplementary materials for deeper insight into each revolution's context and narratives.