Industrial, French, and American Revolutions: Common Social Revolutions?

Throughout history there have been many important revolutions that have help to shape society as it is today. There are different causes, from political to religious, economic to social. Any revolution affects those in society, and creates changes for the people in the society. There are three important revolutions that took place in the late 18th century that changed the world for the better. The French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution all took place in the late 1700s. Although each had a different purpose, they all lead to a better way of life for many. The French and American Revolutions are examples of some which are brought about and enforced solely by the people. Although they had different reasons behind them, both had the same idea behind them- social change. The Industrial Revolution was different, it was a technological revolution which had positive social outcomes. While one can easily compare the French and American Revolutions because of their social causes and outcomes, the Industrial Revolution can only be compared to the other two when examining their outcomes.

The French Revolution was one of the larger social revolutions. It can be considered a revolution on the political, social, religious, and economic front, although the biggest causes were social. The French Revolution began on July 14, 1789, with the fall of Bastille and continued until the rise of power of Napoleon Bonaparte. The main reason behind the revolution was the unfair treatment between classes in France. There were three main classes, called estates. The First Estate held the higher clergy. In the Second Estate were the close to 80,000 families that belonged to nobility. They owned land, held positions in the country, and paid no taxes. Most of the French population was in the Third Estate. Life for those in this estate was horrible, as they were continually mistreated and given no fair chance at succeeding. This was the estate that lead the revolution. The people felt the need for change, and created the change that they wanted. The revolution among the people lead to changes in France, including the adaptation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen. The society saw there was a need for change, and took the opportunity to create it. They ran the revolution.

Much like the French Revolution, the American Revolution was brought upon by the people who wanted a change. Growing numbers of immigrants added to the population in the lower and middle classes in the country, making overcrowding and poor conditions. As cities started to grow, the government- located across the ocean- decided to try and make changes, including larger taxes. The people in America did not like the idea of being