Lessons America can Learn from the French Revolution — Market Mad House

This summer marks the 130th anniversary of the cataclysm known as the French Revolution. Specifically, the revolution began on 14 July 1789 when a mob stormed the royal prison known as the Bastille.

That simple act sparked a series of events that brought down one of Europe’s oldest monarchies, transformed France, and completely disrupted almost every country in Europe. The Revolution, also triggered nearly 25 years of war on several continents.

Interestingly, there is much that 21st Century America could learn from that 18th Century upheaval. Disturbingly, there are some similarities between modern America and France of the Ancient Regime; before the Revolution.

Lessons Modern America can Learn from the French Revolution

Lesson One: Reviving old and unfamiliar political institutions can be fatal

Strangely, French King Louis XVI himself triggered the French Revolution by holding the first session of France’s parliament or Estates General in 175 years.

The Estates General had not met since 1614, but Louis and his advisers thought it could push through needed financial reforms. However, the Parlement of Paris; a…