Which leader declared that "the torch has been passed to a new generation of
americans"?

John F. Kennedy stated that the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans.

Explanation:

This quote was part of his Inaugural address, which was held on Friday, January 20th, 1961. This speech was given right after he also gave the Presidential Oath of Office, which was administered by Earl Warren, Chief Justice. It's the fourth shortest speech since it took less than 14 minutes to be given (the exact duration is 13 minutes and 59 seconds).

the american revolution was by the middle and upper class, and the french was by the lower and middle class.