I always struggled with putting the American Revolution in a World History Context, but using the Fever Model of Revolution has really helped me create a lesson for my APWH kids (who just studied the American Revolution last year) a different way to think about it and then be able to apply it to other revolutions. PPT and worksheet is attached. If you look at the PPT notes, ignore the notes to Eric, he's my sub right now as I'm on some family leave 
What are some other ways that you've found to place American and European events in the world history context?