the american revolution was primarily driven by growing discontent with british rule, particularly due to taxation without representation and restrictive laws imposed by the british parliament. the desire for independence and the influence of Enlightenment ideas about liberty and governance spurred the colonists to seek freedom from british control.
the french revolution was caused by a combination of social inequality, financial crises, and the influence of revolutionary ideas from the enlightenment era. the common people, burdened by heavy taxation and poor living conditions while the aristocracy enjoyed privileges, sparked a desire for change, leading to demands for political rights and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy.
(sources: "A People's History of the New World" by Howard Zinn, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: Exploring the French Revolution" by James A. Leith)