During the 18th century American and French Revolutions, it was the best of times and the worst of times--especially for France. Thousands of French men and women ended up beheaded during the Reign of Terror., including some who had fought in the American Revolution. This book intimately explores their personal strengths and follies in human terms. Dozens of world leaders were participants on both sides of the Atlantic, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, John Jay, King George III of England, King Carlos III of Spain, Lafayette, French Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XI, Rousseau, Voltaire, Mirabeau, Robespierre, Danton, Talleyrand, and Napoleon. This work describes their personal stories--which changed the world in creating modern democracy.