Sister Revolutions - French Lightning, American Light (Paperback, Cloth First Pub ed.)

In 1790, the American diplomat and politician Gouverneur Morris compared the French and American Revolutions, saying that the French "have taken Genius instead of Reason for their guide, adopted Experiment instead of Experience, and wander in the Dark because they prefer Lightning to Light." Although both revolutions professed similar Enlightenment ideals of freedom, equality, and justice, there were dramatic differences. The Americans were content to preserve many aspects of their English heritage; the French sought a complete break with a thousand years of history. The Americans accepted nonviolent political conflict; the French valued unity above all, even if it meant by violent means. The Americans emphasized individual rights, while the French stressed public order and cohesion.

Why did the two revolutions follow such different trajectories? What influence have the two different visions of democracy had on modern history? And what lessons do they offer us about democracy today? In a lucid narrative style, with particular emphasis on lively portraits of the major actors, Susan Dunn traces the legacies of our own time. Her combination of history and political analysis will appeal to all who take an interest in the way democratic nations are governed.

General

Imprint:	Farrar, Strauss & Giroux-3pl
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	September 2000
First published:	September 2000
Authors:	Susan Dunn
Dimensions:	208 x 140 x 20mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	272
Edition:	Cloth First Pub ed.
ISBN-13:	978-0-571-19989-1
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > 1750 to 1900 Books > Humanities > History > European history > General Books > Humanities > History > American history > General Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political structure & processes > Democracy Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political activism > Revolutions & coups Books > History > American history > General Books > History > European history > General Books > History > World history > 1750 to 1900
LSN:	0-571-19989-5
Barcode:	9780571199891

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