The Effects of the French Revolution on American Politics
Although its ingredients had been brewing for years, the French Revolution officially began in 1789 with the oppressed, overtaxed middle class storming Bastille. King Louis XVI, although initially allowed to retain his royal title, was beheaded a few years later, resulting in the end of the French monarchy and the birth of a new republic. Around the time of this event, the French Revolution took a radical turn, with thousands of ordinary citizens executed seemingly without reason. After a series of unsuccessful governments, the revolution finally ended in 1799 when Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power. During this 10-year period and for years afterward, the events and outcomes of the French Revolution played a significant role in the politics of the newborn United States of America.
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Shifting Attitudes
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Initially, most Americans, politicians included, supported the French Revolution, as it followed upon the heels of their own struggle to free themselves from a tyrannical monarchy. As well, Great Britain was a common enemy. But the radicalization of the French Revolution in 1792 caused many Americans to believe that excess democracy would lead to mob rule, resulting in an entirely unstable society. As a result of this widespread attitude, many other Americans feared that their fellow countrymen would try to limit their freedoms, and became increasingly concerned with preserving it. Hence, the French Revolution became a dividing line between the two major early political parties: Republicans and Federalists.
Republicans
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Thomas Jefferson, a Republican, had served as ambassador to France prior to the Revolution, and thus harbored deep feelings of camaraderie with the French citizens. He and other Republicans, such as James Madison, viewed the Revolution as an extension of the core American ideals of individual liberty and freedom from governmental oppression. Likewise, the fledgling Republican Party, which later evolved into today's Democratic Party, formed along these fundamental principles. For instance, Republicans in the late 18th century believed in state's rights, limited federal power and extending the freedom to vote to all men, rather than just wealthy landowners.
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Federalists
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Federalists, such as George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, came to view the French Revolution as an example of democracy gone awry and hence a threat to American stability. Fearing that the United States could descend into anarchy as France had done, Federalists supported European nations' joining in war against the France in 1793. This support extended even to Great Britain, a recent enemy, widening the gulf between the Federalists and the Republicans.
Divisiveness
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Some of the bitterness inherent throughout American politics may have originated during this period. Partisan quarrels were characterized by name-calling, with Republicans, who abhorred the British, nicknaming the Federalists the "British party," and Federalists calling the Republicans the "French party." And as the French Revolution grew increasingly barbaric, American politicians on both sides of the aisle suspected that their political opponents were motivated by immoral, malevolent forces, a belief that would linger in American politics for centuries to come.
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References
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