Themes of the 19th Century

Revolutions of the Long 19th Century During the “Long 19th Century” (1750-1914) there were many changes happening around the globe and shaping the world we live in today. At this time, amidst other changes such as industrialization and imperialism, some of the world’s most important revolutions began taking place. In America, the first revolution of the 19th century took place and set the foundations for one of the most important world powers in modern history. The French revolution led to a new imperialistic power and was one of the most influential revolutions of its time with its effects being felt throughout the world. Although there were numerous amounts of changes in all aspects of life at this time, more importantly were the revolutions that took place in France and America because they led to great political and social change that influenced the globe and also made two world powers. During the 19th century in America, there was growing discontent for their mother country, Britain. A series of events had led to Americans feeling more distant from their mother country and that they could not effectively rule their colonies with such a large distance. The first key event that began the demand for independence was the French and Indian War. This war was fought between France (before French revolution) and Britain from 1754-1763 over the colonies in America and soon became a world-wide conflict between the two nations. The rivalry created between the two nations became a key part of the American Revolution later on. Although Britain came out victorious, their economy took a big hit and left them in huge debt which they looked to the colonies to repay. After 1763 all the way to the beginning of the war in 1775, Britain put in place a slew of acts which increased taxes, and as a result resentment of the British government. These acts included the sugar act, currency act, quartering act, stamp act, Townshend acts, tea act, and intolerable act, all of which were

Cited: Kelly, Martin. "Causes of the American Revolution." American History. about.com, n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://americanhistory.about.com/od/revolutionarywar/a/amer_revolution.htm>. Kries, Steven. "The Oath of the Tennis Court." History Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/tennis_oath.html>. Mapsofworld.com. "Impact of American Revolution on Other Nations." Maps of World. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/american-revolution/impact-other-nations.html>. Stearns, Peter N. Combined Volume. 6th ed. Boston: Charlyce Jones Owen, 2011. Print. Ushistory.org. "Lexington and Concord." US History. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://www.ushistory.org/us/11c.asp>. - - -. "Societal Impacts of the American Revolution." US History. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://www.ushistory.org/us/12.asp>. Wilde, Robert. "The Impact of the French Revolution on Europe." European History. about.com, n.d. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/thefrenchrevolution/a/The-Consequences-Of-The-French-Revolution-On-France-And-Europe_2.htm>.