[s1artibartfast]

I think the french revolution left everyone worse off than if it didnt happen, The first republic didnt address any one the underlying economic issues. The failure of populist mob governance lead to first empire, and the Napoleonic wars which killed several percent of Europe's population (~6million) in France's attempt to loot its way back to economic prosperity.

[justinclift]

Sounds like a reasonable way to look at it.

How far along the path do you reckon the US is to the same kind of thing?

[s1artibartfast]

No clue. However if I were to speculate on a comparison, I think the us would skip the first Republic entirely and go straight to a repressive authoritarian police state fighting domestic terrorists.

I don't think any of the revolutionary elements can get enough support for governmental change, and the majority wold rather give up their freedoms than give in to terrorists.