The Age of Revolution Many times, the 18th and 19th centuries are referred to as the Age of Revolution.

There are many reasons why they can be considered revolutionary. For example, in France, this was a time of complete social and political overhaul. In addition, the ideas of taxation vs. representation were introduced. Finally, this was a period of over-all conflicts between different states. To conclude, the 18th and 19th centuries can be considered revolutionary because of major changes in France, taxation with/without representation was introduced, and conflicts between nations/states. As aforementioned, France faced many changes in politics and society. For example, the Directory system was introduced during this time period. Also, this was the time at which Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power, bringing about the most major changes for the nation. For example, he bought lands unused by the Catholic Church, and sold them amongst the bourgeoisie, thusly giving them more of a sense of representation in French society and economics. In addition, this alleviated the taxation brought upon the middle class by the Directory. This also differentiated social classes more. He also conquered most of Europe. Finally, Napoleon likely brought on a new sense of patriotism in France with his accomplishments for the nation. In addition to the revolutions in France, the American colonies and the rest of Europe were evolving at a steady rate. This can be seen initially through the ideas of the tie-ins between taxation and political representation. Although French changes were discussed in the previous section, it can be noted that this idea originated in France. This was brought on by the idea that although the bourgeois class was one of the three major parts of the French population, they were heavily taxed on their land and had no say in the government or seats on the directory. This

heavily influenced other nations and states, namely the British colonies in North America. The Colonies perspective was that they had no major objections to fighting in the Seven Years (or, French and Indian) War alongside Britain or to paying the British taxes on goods, but that they should then also be granted the same equality in government as citizens living in England. Eventually, this problem escalated to the American Revolution. Finally, as mentioned above, the 18th and 19th centuries were times of great conflicts and military revolts of and between nations. An example is the American Revolution, which was, again, spurred on by the concepts of taxation without representation. In addition to the Americas, France was beginning to have troubles with the once great Napoleon. He began his conquests outside of Europe, and into Russia. The futility of Napoleons attempts to conquer the Russians in their battles and conflicts made his once abundant supporters fall into a scarce population. These French conflicts (both internal and external, at this point), were the factors that led to Napoleons exile from the nation and their reversion back the tyrannical Directory. In conclusion, the 18th and 19th centuries can be considered revolutionary because of major changes in France, taxation with/without representation was introduced, and conflicts between nations/states. Mainly, the French faced changes with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Also, France and the American colonies were those who became focused on representation in government because of excessive taxation on their higher-ups parts. Finally, the main conflicts during this time were between England and their American colonies, and France and Russia. This is why I believe the 18th and 19th centuries to be considered the Age of Revolution.