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Two great revolutions reshaped the world in the last quarter of the 18th century,

the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

One gave birth to the most successful republic in history, the other descended into violence,

bloodshed and chaos. It ended only when Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself First Consul,

effectively dictator, in November 1799. He shut down the legislature and arrested anyone

who opposed him. So why did the American Revolution succeed so spectacularly, while the French

revolution collapsed? Why is the American Revolution best known for the Declaration of Independence

and the French Revolution best known for the gu of Independence, and the French Revolution

best known for the guillotine. There are many reasons, of course, but we'll focus on three.

Understanding of human nature, quality of leadership, and experience in self-government.

First, human nature. The American Founding Fathers had a sober view of human nature. They viewed it in the

classic Judeo-Christian sense as inherently flawed. If men were left to their own devices,

corruption, abuse and depression would inevitably follow. Therefore, human nature must be restrained,

first by law. Thus the American constitution divides power among

three competing branches, each checking and balancing the other. But that alone is not enough,

which is why the founders consistently promoted the importance of religious instruction.

Given flawed human nature, freedom also requires a strong measure of

...