Sister Revolution: The American and French Revolutions Reveal

Author: Susan Dunn (USA), translated by Yang Xiaogang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: In 1790, American diplomat and political activist Guillaume de Moléon de L'Isle compared the French Revolution and the American Revolution. He believed that the French "replaced genius with reason as the guiding principle of the revolution, experimentation with experience, and in the lightning and sunlight, they preferred the former. It is precisely because of this that they have been wandering in the dark." Although both revolutions highlighted similar Enlightenment ideals regarding freedom, equality, and justice, they still had significant differences. Americans were satisfied with retaining many British traditions, while the French were committed to completely destroying their thousand-year history. Americans accepted nonviolent political conflict, whereas the French valued unity and solidarity above all else. Americans emphasized individual rights, while the French focused on public order and the cohesion of the collective. Why did these two revolutions take different paths? What impact did these two different perspectives on democracy have on the development of modern history? And what lessons can they offer for today's democracy? Susan Dunn adopts a clear, narrative style, with a particular emphasis on vividly describing the key figures involved. She consistently explores the influence of these two great revolutions on modern history and our contemporary revolutionary movements. Her historical and political analyses are integrated, making her work highly appealing to readers interested in the governance of democratic nations.