A similarity between 1780s France and 1917 Russia was ...

In both France and Russia, military failures rather than victories contributed to instability. France faced defeats in the American Revolutionary War and subsequent conflicts, while Russia's involvement in World War I exposed weaknesses and discontent within the military. These inadequacies undermined the monarchies rather than bolstering them, proving this choice incorrect.

While the industrial revolution did impact both countries, the significant expansion of the middle class was more pronounced in 19th-century Britain and not as directly relevant to the revolutionary contexts of 1780s France and 1917 Russia. In both scenarios, the focus on social inequalities and class struggles overshadowed the effects of industrialization, making this option inaccurate.

In both periods, the monarchs resisted democratic reforms instead of embracing them. The French monarchy under Louis XVI failed to adequately reform or address the needs of the populace, while Tsar Nicholas II's attempts at reform were seen as too little and too late. This resistance to change ultimately set the stage for revolutionary movements.