Now he recognized that protection of national interests was the raison d'être of all governments, whether born of revolution or not. Expansion of individual liberties had simply been a by-product of the American Revolution because it was essential for uniting the American people and, therefore, in the national interest. Tyranny-indeed, Napoléon-had been the by-product of the French Revolution, because it was essential for maintaining the unity of the French people and, therefore, essential to French national interests. Monroe
The author explains that the core purpose of governments, regardless of their origins, is to safeguard national interests. This perspective highlights that the enhancement of personal freedoms in the United States was not the primary goal of the American Revolution, but rather a necessary consequence to foster unity among the population and support the larger national agenda. It suggests that individual rights were initially adopted to strengthen the nation rather than being an end in themselves.
In contrast, the French Revolution, driven by its own quest for liberty, ultimately produced tyranny under Napoléon. This indicates that pursuing freedom without regard for national cohesion can lead to adverse outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the complex relationship between liberty, unity, and national interest in different revolutionary contexts, illustrating that the balance of these elements is crucial for a stable and prosperous society.
