Q. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. [UPSC-2019]

Q. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. [UPSC-2019]

Ans:

The later part of 18th century saw the two important developments in the form of American revolution (1776-1783) and French revolution (starting from 1789). These two developments are said to have laid the foundation of modern world because of the novel ideas preached and realized into practice during these revolutions. ©crackingcivilservices.com

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The contribution of American revolution in the foundation of the modern world:

• Out of revolution a new country, United States of America was born which is a most power and dominant nation in the modern world.
• It transformed a society that had been bound by English hierarchy of ranks into a society that was egalitarian, democratic, and commercial.
• Created the first nation built upon democratic values.
• In was a setback to imperialism and colonialism.
• Impetus to the idea of republicanism,
• Impetus to Laissez-Faire and capitalism and setback to the mercantilism. Some scholars considers it to be a conflict between American capitalism and British Mercantilism.
• Great loss to Britain which started looking for alternative colonies. More focus was given on India and Australia. This had implications world order in coming days.
• John Locke ideas of natural rights, montesquieu’s ideas of separation of power was realized for the 1st time. e.g. Bill of rights, provisions for checks and balance were enshrined in the constitution.
• It was 1st major state to have written constitution. Many modern state have followed this suit.
• The main achievements of the American Revolution were the growth of mass participation in politics.
• The American Revolution represented an attack on aristocratic privileges, monarchical society and virtually all forms of dependence including slavery.
  • the patronage networks and familial influence of the late 18th century ancient regime were swept aside.
  • The Loyalists, who supported Britain during the American war of Independence, departed in large number during and after the revolution. The exit of several leading members of the old colonial society no doubt created space for what Jefferson called “the aristocracy of virtue and talent”.
  • After the Revolution all the states abolished legal devices of primogeniture and entail which had tended to protect large estates and important families, although these practices had declined over time.
• In long run the Revolution paved the way for the abolition of slavery, for women’s rights movements, and for the broadening of democracy.
  • Women rights:
    • After the Revolution the patriarchal control of men over their wives declined, the latter gaining the right to hold property separately and to make contracts and do business in the absence of their husbands.
    • The equal rights of widows and daughters were recognized in matters concerning inheritance and possession of property.
    • All the states except South Carolina introduced liberal laws on divorce.
  • The constitution has the line, ‘All men are created equal’. It was used during black civil right movements.
• The war of independence became a symbol of freedom/liberty and inspired freedom movement in colonies in coming days.
  • The slogans like ‘No taxation without representation’, ‘give me liberty or give me death’ were given during the revolution. These phrases were used and inspired various movements world over.
• The American Revolution not only ended feudal forms of land tenure but supported more enlightened attitude towards the family.

The contribution of French revolution in the foundation of the modern world:

• The F.R had three basic ideals: Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. These Ideas inspired movements in various countries.
• Impetus to mass politics:
  • Mass participation during revolution e.g. participation of sans culottes
  • Plebicites conducted by Napoleon before bringing in reforms
• Brought about a complete destruction of the feudal order and its state apparatus.
  • The National Assembly and later Napoleon worked very hard and systematically to recast the old kingdom into a modem nation-state.
  • The abolition of feudal monarchy and the privileged order of nobles and priests, most of the administrative divisions of the ancient regime disappeared forever alongwith its officials and institutions.
  • The new structure had a popular base and thus had a lasting influence not only on France but countries elsewhere.
• Gave birth to the new economic system- new banking, financial system
• Napoleonic code became the classical standard in whole Europe and other part of the world
  • It had ideas of civil equality, provisions for emancipation of serfs, abolition of feudal privileges etc.
  • Attempts were made to transform institutions. legislation, administration, justice, bureaucracy, education, finances and even religion.
• The root of the modern day socialism is also traced from French revolution.
  • Babeuf in communist teaching known as 1st modern communist.  He was a highly radical personality and staunch supporter of the idea of equality.
• Napoleon abolished holy roman empire and conquered many states of Germany and Italy and created conditions for their unification is coming days. 
• Ideas of Rousseau, Voltaire, John Locke were put into practice for the first time.

Thus, both the development contributed immensely towards development of modern ideas. However,  there were some limitations:

• In USA the abolition of slavery, equality for women, greater voting privileges was not achieved,
• In France, Napoleon denied Liberty to the population.
• Both revolutions adopted conservative attitude towards women.
• Modern parliamentary system of government have it’s origin in Britain and was in process of development much before mid-18th century.

Though the progress towards modern world was a continuous process, these two revolutions certainly laid the foundation for further developments. Most of the nations in modern time including India has adopted the ideas of these revolutions in their socio-economic and political system. ©crackingcivilservices.com