The French Revolution will be found to have had great influence on the strength of parties, and on the subsequent political transactions of the United States.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The French Revolution was a kind of 21st-century moment in the heart of the 18th century - and Alex Dumas, outstanding though he was, could never have risen the way he did if not for that. The French Revolution was the American Revolution on steroids.
Being French, to me, is first and foremost being a revolutionary.
The most important of all revolutions, a revolution in sentiments, manners and moral opinions.
Throughout American history many of our social gains and much of our progress toward democracy were made possible by the active intervention of the federal government.
What was the American Revolution? The people who joined to carry it out had different views of what they had done.
During my last voyage to America, I enjoyed the happiness of seeing that revolution completed, and, thinking of the one that would probably occur in France, I said in a speech to Congress, published everywhere except in the 'French Gazette,' 'May this revolution serve as a lesson to oppressors and as an example to the oppressed!'
Usually, in any revolution people are focused on who wants to have the most power. But the most important thing is the laws that are written during that time.
From an early period, I had the happiness to rank among the foremost in the American Revolution. In the affection and confidence of the people, I am proud to say, I have a great share.
Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin.
The progress of the American Revolution has been so rapid and such the alteration of manners, the blending of characters, and the new train of ideas that almost universally prevail, that the principles which animated to the noblest exertions have been nearly annihilated.