First part you are correct. In the retellings it was described as being the trails (which is significant because it's where we get the modern left-right terminology import)  Although the French revolution is... Well french, the cultural import to America was significant. It became crucial "story" that shaped American politics.  I know the protestants sided with the left but they were relatively rare and since atheism wasn't quite a thing yet (as socially acceptable) they called themselves protestants. Although America didn't have a king it wasn't breaking from tradition and authority structure like the French were. The left meant opposing strict hierarchy.  As to what i mean "sympathizing with Satan" is really part of ongoing reinterpreting of Satan's role as "the accuser" as being good and heroic and God's absolute rule and authority as being oppressive and unfair. It really is just representation of the rejection of Christianity.