"The influence of revolutions endured long after they ended and far beyond where they started." To what extent does Chapter 16 of Ways of the World...

The seed of most revolutions are sown long before they actually take place. The period of time known as "the Enlightenment" fostered a trend of challenging long held beliefs on how to govern. These challenges ushered in a revolutionary period that still affects the world today.

As more people sought self-determination in how they were governed, pressure mounted on existing governments to make concessions to their citizens. When those concessions weren't enough, revolutions occurred and...

The seed of most revolutions are sown long before they actually take place. The period of time known as "the Enlightenment" fostered a trend of challenging long held beliefs on how to govern. These challenges ushered in a revolutionary period that still affects the world today.

As more people sought self-determination in how they were governed, pressure mounted on existing governments to make concessions to their citizens. When those concessions weren't enough, revolutions occurred and the entire system of government was overthrown. 

The American Revolution set in motion a chain of events that would eventually spark a revolutionary spirit across Latin America and Europe. Had England been successful in restraining her rebellious colonies, things might have been different. Those Americans sought more equality and recognition from King George III, and their success in claiming independence from English oppression motivated citizens in France to do the same.

The French had played a major part in assisting America in her quest for independence. They had seen first-hand the outcome of a successful rebellion. Six years after the United States of America successful rebelled against the English, the French began their own revolutionary crusade to topple a monarchy.

The spirit of revolution born during the Enlightenment did not die in Paris. Other places throughout Latin America would continue to seek their right to self-determination and break free from controlling monarchies. Without question, the ideas born during the Enlightenment inspired and would eventually carry on past several revolutions. Those ideas continue to survive today.