Final answer:
Americans initially supported the French Revolution for its enlightenment-inspired principles, but the Reign of Terror prompted concerns among Federalists about its violent excesses, leading to a split in opinion. The revolution also fostered a new sense of national identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French Revolution's perception varied among Americans; while some saw it as an extension of the fight for liberty, others viewed it as degenerating into violent anarchy. Initially, many Americans, including influential figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, showed sympathy for the French cause, considering it a continuation of their own revolutionary principles. Federalists like Alexander Hamilton, however, were concerned that the French Revolution's extreme turn during the Reign of Terror indicated a descent into licentiousness rather than a genuine pursuit of liberty. The execution of King Louis XVI particularly polarized Americans. Nevertheless, the French Revolution inspired different nations, leading to a novel sense of national identity based on communal goals and values, moving beyond the old allegiances to dynasty or city-states.