Gunpoweder Essay

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the right to rebel and form a

new government. The acts of rebellion introduced by the American colonists as a result of the taxation

followed the newly formalized belief of the Enlightenment. Thus, the American Revolution resulted from

Enlightenment ideas as well as a rebellion of taxation.

The American Revolution was such a profoundly impactful event in world history that its origin

can be directly linked to other revolutions. As a result of the American Revolution, France underwent a

dramatic movement as well. In Latin America, for example Haiti the same can be said. These two

subsequent revolutions happened only a short time after the American Revolution. The French

Revolution began also due to the Enlightenment. However, the American Revolution and its leader

greatly inspired the French. Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine were initially supporters of French

leaders decision to rebel. The French also believed their tax system was unfair (only the third estate was

taxed) just like Americans. In fact the French helped Americans gain their independence. They saw

America go from a colonial region to develop their own democratic government with a president and

representatives. The French followed this example. They also overthrew their monarch and developed a

democratic government with a constitution. The French however, soon became too violent. Another

example of the American Revolution directly effecting the world was the Haitian Revolution. In Haiti, the

slaves were controlled in a terrible system of violence and hatred. One man, inspired by the American

and French Revolutions, stood up and declared his country free. His name was Toussaint L’Overture and

he was a former slave. He was well read and knew the original colonies had broken away from their

overlords and he felt his country should do the same. Haiti became the first Latin American country to

become independent.