Early in the American Revolution, society was quite split between rebels and loyalists. The rebels ultimately won the day by e.g. burning down loyalists’ homes, or tarring and feathering them. This sent many loyalists fleeing to safety in Canada and the West Indies, while the rest were forced to simply keep quiet. Even among the American colonial elites, this split families, the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his son William being one prominent example.
The French Revolution ushered in the Terror and, within just a few years, an emperor. Over the 19th century the French downplayed and retreated from many aims and outcomes of the revolution, they even restored the monarchy multiple times. The belief that the French Revolution ushered in a lasting democracy is historical. Arguably things like the events of 1848 did more for lasting democracy in Europe.
The French Revolution ushered in the Terror and, within just a few years, an emperor. Over the 19th century the French downplayed and retreated from many aims and outcomes of the revolution, they even restored the monarchy multiple times. The belief that the French Revolution ushered in a lasting democracy is historical. Arguably things like the events of 1848 did more for lasting democracy in Europe.