Question

In this assignment, you will analyze the U.S. and French national anthems for evidence of Enlightenment ideas, research the major causes, influences, characteristics, and consequences of the American and French revolutions, and synthesize your findings. For the analysis section, which is worth 10 points, you will listen to the national anthem of the United States and the national anthem of France. As you listen, try to identify the ideas that originated from Enlightenment thinkers. Then, use the two anthems to answer the following questions:

1. What evidence of Enlightenment ideas did you find in the two anthems? Please provide specific words from the anthems in your answer.

2. Compare the two anthems. How are they similar, and how do these similarities reflect each country's revolution?

3. Compare the two anthems. How are they different, and how do these differences reflect each country's revolution?

4. Which anthem reflects more ideas of the Enlightenment, and why do you think this is the case? Provide specific evidence from the lyrics in your answer.

5. How does the structure of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' emphasize its main idea?

Now, write two paragraphs that summarize the similarities and differences between the two revolutions. Each paragraph should be at least five sentences long. Your first paragraph should mention any similarities in the causes, influences, characteristics, and consequences of both revolutions, and you should include specific ideas of the Enlightenment in your answer. Your second paragraph should mention any differences in the causes, influences, characteristics, and consequences of both revolutions."

Answer 1

Both the U.S. and French national anthems embody Enlightenment ideas such as liberty, justice, and national sovereignty, but they differ in their emphasis and tone, reflecting the distinct nature of the American and French revolutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing the U.S. and French national anthems for evidence of Enlightenment ideas, we can observe that both anthems reflect the principles of liberty, justice, and national sovereignty that were popularized during the Enlightenment. Specifically, 'The Star-Spangled Banner' speaks to the perseverance and valor that were necessary to defend these ideals, while 'La Marseillaise' rallies the citizens to arms for the defense of the fatherland, echoing the call to national unity and resistance against tyranny. The similarities between the two anthems include appeals to patriotic sentiment and the glorification of the struggle for freedom, reflecting each country's revolution's fight against oppressive rule. Differences lie in the emphasis on warfare in 'La Marseillaise' and the triumphant tone in 'The Star-Spangled Banner', mirroring the violent and total upheaval experienced during the French Revolution compared to the more military and political nature of the American Revolution. Regarding structure, 'The Star-Spangled Banner' uses vivid imagery to emphasize its main idea of national resilience and pride, celebrating the flag's endurance as a symbol of liberty. The French Revolution removed legal privileges and made religion subordinate to secular governance, which are hallmark Enlightenment concepts. The American Revolution, influenced by thinkers like Locke and Paine, centered on rights and government's duty to the people. Both revolutions embraced Enlightenment ideas, but in expression and execution, they differed significantly. The French Revolution was marked by a radical reimagining of society, while the American Revolution sought independence and governance aligning with Enlightenment philosophies.