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