Atlantic Revolutions Introduction

American, French, Haitian, & Latin American =

The Atlantic Revolutions

Common Threads• European absolutist and/or colonial

governments were challenged

• Usually, the rising middle class people were behind the call for change

• Huge changes in social and political structures resulted

• All were inspired by Enlightenment thinkers

• All created important documents– Declaration of Independence (USA)– Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

(France) – Jamaica Letter (Latin America

American• Overall Causes:

• British colony• Frustrated by mercantilist policies (econ

exploitation)• Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t

• Helped by French military (b/c France hated Britain)

• End Results:• Independent from Britain in 1781• Limited democracy• Republic

French Revolution•Overall Causes:

•French gov’t bankrupt•middle class wanted a say in gov’t (Ancien Regime was viewed as unjust)

•2 Main Phases• Moderate Phase (Constitutional Monarchy) BUT France was invaded by foreign governments & a crazy “mob mentality” developed• Radical Phase (cut off King’s head, tried to implement full democracy)

• End Results•Dictatorship under Napoleon Bonaparte (1799-1815)

Haitian Revolution• Overall Causes

• Most Haitians were slaves (more than 90% of the population)

• The French Revolution occurred “back home” (Haiti was a French sugar colony)

• While France was busy with foreign invasions and mob rule, slaves revolted

• End Results• Independence from France in 1804• Toussaint L’Ouverture (former slave) became

dictator and set the precedent for corrupt & dictator-filled Haitian gov’t today

Latin American• Overall Causes

• Spanish & Portuguese colonies• Frustrated by mercantilist policies (econ

exploitation)• Middle/Upper class wanted a voice in gov’t

• Fought wars of liberation led by Creole generals Bolivar & San Martin

• End Results• Independence• No single nation formed (as in USA)• Attempted democracy, but upper class

creoles held onto power/wealth at expense of the poor