Between Democracy and Republic: The American and French Revolutions

A comparative journey through the American and French Revolutions revealing the ancient influences behind modern democratic and republican thought.

Admission: Free

Between Democracy and Republic:
The American and French Revolutions
Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 – 7:30pm

The American and French Revolutions mark watershed moments in the development of modern Western democracy and republican government. In both contexts, the rejection of monarchical rule sparked intense debates about the appropriate form of government for the newly liberated states—democracy or republic? These discussions drew heavily on ancient Greek and Roman political models and intellectual traditions.

University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa will lead the audience through a comparative journey across America and Europe to reveal the ancient foundations of modern democratic and republican thought.