Which revolution is described as preserving existing social hierarchies more?

• A. The American Revolution largely preserved social hierarchies.
• B. The French Revolution preserved social hierarchies.
• C. Both preserved social hierarchies.
• D. Neither affected social structures.

Answer: (A)

Preservation of social hierarchies through revolutionary change is the idea being tested. The American Revolution largely kept the existing social order in place: political power stayed in the hands of a white, male, landowning elite, and broad participation was limited. Slavery continued in many states, Native Americans faced ongoing dispossession, and women did not gain long-term political rights. So, while independence was achieved, the social structure was not fundamentally overturned, which is why this revolution is described as preserving social hierarchies more.

In contrast, the French Revolution aimed to dismantle hereditary privilege and the estates system, promote equality before the law, and restructure society toward more egalitarian ideals. That upheaval disrupted traditional social hierarchies far more, even though it faced its own cycles of violence and shifting power.

Therefore, the revolution described as preserving existing social hierarchies more is the American Revolution.