Which of the following accurately states a key difference among the U.S, French, and Haitian governments following their independence movements

1 answer

Certainly! A key difference among the U.S., French, and Haitian governments following their independence movements can be summarized as follows:

  • United States: After winning independence from Britain in 1783, the U.S. established a constitutional republic characterized by a system of checks and balances, a strong emphasis on individual rights, and a focus on democratic governance through elected representatives.

  • France: Following the French Revolution, which began in 1789, France oscillated between various forms of government, including a constitutional monarchy, the First French Republic, and later the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who established an authoritarian regime with the First French Empire. The revolution fundamentally challenged the existing social hierarchy and sought to introduce principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, but government stability fluctuated significantly during and after this period.

  • Haiti: After gaining independence from France in 1804, Haiti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean and the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world. However, the Haitian government faced immense challenges, including significant isolation from other nations, external debts, and internal strife. It established itself as a republic, but the governance faced instability due to economic hardships and political corruption.

In summary, while the U.S. established a stable constitutional republic, France experienced a series of government changes and struggles balancing revolutionary ideals with authoritarian rule, and Haiti faced severe challenges and instability as it established its independence and governance.