Anatomy of a Revolution Sources: wikipedia.com From Revolution to Reconstruction: Essays http://odur.let.rug.nl~usa/E/revolution/revol.htm

What is a REVOLUTION??? A revolution is a relatively sudden and absolutely drastic change The change may be social or political Over a short or long period of time May be led by the majority of the people or a small group of “revolutionaries”

Revolution vs. Rebellion In a general sense, a rebellion is a refusal to accept authority Ranging from ignoring cultural norms to attempting to destroy an established authority Synonyms: Resistance, uprising, insurrection, revolt, mutiny, insurgency

“Stages of a Revolution” by: Crane Brinton He lived from 1898-1968 American born, Oxford educated Harvard professor Originally published in 1932, revised in 1965 This was his most famous work

Why was this book famous? In The Anatomy of a Revolution, he compared the dynamics of revolutionary movements to the progress of a fever.

Why a Fever? Revolution is not a positive phenomena It is something to be avoided It is something to be cured if it occurs However… [Revolution] “in itself is a good thing… for the organism that survives it… The revolution destroys wicked people and harmful useless institutions.”

Stages of a Revolution (Fever) The symptoms The fever itself The break of the fever

Conditions Present as Causes of Revolutions (Symptoms) People from all social classes unhappy People angry by unacceptable restrictions People begin to think of themselves as social classes, and there is growing bitterness between the classes The government does not respond to the needs of the society Some of the leaders join opposition groups The government is unable to rally support The government is broke (has to tax heavily)

The Revolution (Fever) Complaint Desire to change Frustration with “Government” response Organize to affect change Overreaction from authority Decision to protest

The Fever Continues… Clampdown by authorities People organizing Action against system Commitment to violence “Police State” To the Streets- Self Sacrifice REVOLUTION

The Break of the Fever… Bring Change Did the ideals of the revolution change as its leadership changed? Were the original goals achieved? Which social classes gained the most from the revolution? Did the ruling group or individuals from this group return to power?

How is the word revolution used in everyday life?

What do you think about these?

What role does propaganda play in all of this?

Strategies for a Successful Revolution

Identify a Need for Change What are we fighting for? For example: “We are starving” “We are tired of your taxes and arbitrary rules” “You are rich off the backs of our labors” “Information is power and I want some of that”

Seek Supporters aka Allies Other countries People in own country Natives

Create & Communicate a Need For Change Get the word out via: Published materials-books, handbills, pamphlets Mass meetings Electronic media

Secure Needed Resources Money Troops Supplies for troops Other followers Leadership (political, military)

Acknowledge Emotional Reactions to Change ‘Hearts and Minds’ theory of change leads to success Not all will be ‘with us’. What will we do with them?

Anticipate Restructuring Problems When we win a few, what are we going to do then? Who’s the boss? What are the plans for the future of our revolution? Afghanistan & Iraq Vietnam