Tunisian Revolution vs.French Revolution

Similarities and Differences

between the Tunisian and French

Revolution

           The Tunisian Revolution of 2011 and the French Revolution of 1789+ are similar in that the revolution arose from the frustration of the common people. Both revolutions arose from a corrupt and unjust governments.  Tunisia even had a Marie Antoinette character in their revolution, the wife of the corrupt president, Leila Trabelsi. The luxurious lives of Marie Antoinette and Leila Trabelis fueled resentment for the government, because while they lived in bliss, others struggled to make ends meet. Both Tunisia and French battled the raising prices of foods and other necessities. French is know to be a 'bread revolution' because the hunger and therefore economic struggles of the common class were the largest basis for the revolution. The Tunisians did have to deal with economic struggles and but the common people were not all 'starving', they were more frustrated with unemployment. Many soldiers and government officials in both revolutions sided with their own people, which changed the course and support for each revolution.

        The Tunisian and French revolution mainly differ in that the Tunisian revolution was much less chaotic and had a more positive outcome than the French revolution. The Tunisian revolution consisted of a lot of mass protesting and much less violence compared to the French. The less radical Tunisian revolution set up a new President and Parliament system and slowly fight to have the ex-president completely removed from the new Tunisia. France was much more radical because citizens wanted major change and revenge, this caused the people not to reflect on what changes needed to be made and how to achieve a better government.

Sources:
http://iijd.org/news/entry/the-jasmine-revolution-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-tunisian-dictatorsh
http://www.tnr.com/article/world/81611/making-sense-tunisia