This essay is a Comparison of the French and Russian Revolutions

The French and Russian Revolutions were both very dramatic and have influenced the political standings of both nations and nations surrounding them to this day. The Russian Revolution, although performed over 100 years later, is a great comparison to the French Revolution, due to their relative similarities and differences. Both nations were very powerful and at times had every nation in Europe afraid of them. Some afraid due to the great armies and some due to the idea of their political situations spreading, (commoners overthrowing the government.)

Both Russia and France began their Revolution lead by an absolute monarchy. In Russia’s case the monarchy was the Tsar (Czar). The French began with a monarchy much like a king. Both nations went from Feudalism to capitalism and finally to communism. The system of capitalism is where the wealthy become wealthier by exploiting the poor. Communism is when citizens give, according to their ability, to others, according to their need. If you happened to be fairly wealthy and living alone you would donate some of your money to those poorer than u with children they need to support. Both nations had many peasants who loved the church. They loved the church because it was a beautiful building and it gave them a break from work. Both Nations had a very strong church that had power over the monarchy.

A new government was formed which despised the church in both nations. Both governments were overthrown by commoners demanding more rights. During both revolutions many of the European nations feared the idea of communism spreading. During the French revolution most nations were lead by an absolute monarchy and feared the idea of the commoner’s rivalry spreading. During the Russian revolution most nations had a capitalized government and were scared of the idea of communism spreading to their nations. Both nations were industrialized and had a motivated revolutionist.

Russia and France, although the revolutions shared many similarities, shared many differences too. The French revolution was successful after ten years (1789-1799) and the Russian revolution took a long time before it reached success. One major difference between the French and Russian revolution was that of women’s rights. In France the woman had close to no rights. They couldn’t vote, they didn’t have jobs they basically were just house wives.

They got so fed up with their Roles in society and that they marched 14 miles to take the King and Queen as prisoners. In Russia the women had the same rights as men. Women played a big role in military life. They became generals, they flew planes and they lead battles into war. There was once a woman who tried three times to overthrow the Tsar. This would never have happened in France. The Russians had a constitution written that had so many great rules. It had rules about free education and free health care to all citizens which were not stated in many other constitutions. In Russia the only people who had voting rights were land owning men which made up less than 5% of the land. In France all men were allowed to vote.

Both Russia and France had far reaching results as effects of their inspired and driven revolutionists (Lenin and Napoleon). The similarities and differences reflect the successful revolutions they had, based on the same ideas yet both results were different. Both nations inspired many revolutions and the influence still effects the way the government operates today.