Atlantic Revolutions

The revolutions grew out of the European enlightenment. The idea was popular sovereignty. And benefited middle class white males, except in Haiti.

Aimed to preserve colonial liberties, not gain new ones! The colonies were more egalitarian than Europe. Then Britain tries to control the colonies to get revenue for $ for war with France. Did this thru taxes and tariffs. Colonists were not represented in British and werent "true" Englishmen.

The French gov't was almost bankrupt. The gov't tries to raise taxes and the 3rd estate broke loose and declared themselves the national assembly and formed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and citizen.Thus launching the French Revolution. More violent than American Rev. , abolished slavery, and ended hereditary privilege.

Year 1 of the French new calender

Was a french revolution and was once the richest colony in the world. The french rev. sparked violence and led way to a slave revolt. And was the only successful slave revolt. The Haitian success generated hope for slaves and fear for owners.

Enlightenment thinkers were critical. Slavery wasnt necessary for economic growth. Britain was most powerful in the abolition of slavery. they forbid the sale of slaves and then emancipated all slaves.