STAGES OF REVOLUTION Adapted from Crane Brinton’s book, The Anatomy of Revolution

REVOLUTION: A VIOLENT OVERTHROW OF A GOVERNMENT

PRELIMINARY Class antagonism – Economic upgrade, which does not reach the people Government inefficiency – Inept ruler—Autocrat with absolute power

People ask for change (justice) Autocrat attempts to stop early protests with force (terror), which fails PRELIMINARY

Intellectuals transfer their loyalty from government to the people PRELIMINARY

FIRST STAGE Financial breakdown Protests against government increase dramatically

Moderates gain power relatively peacefully Revolutionary underground (radicals) foment revolution FIRST STAGE

Mob psychology – Ignorant – Emotional – Now wants revenge FIRST STAGE

CRISIS STAGE Radicals take control – Remove moderates Enemies attempt to stop radicals: – Civil war – Foreign war

Centralization of power in a revolutionary council Council dominated by a “strongman” Use common term of address CRISIS STAGE

Try to kill original autocrat Use terror to rule CRISIS STAGE

RECOVERY Revolution turns inward Radicals removed – Some killed Charismatic autocrat comes to power

Aggressive nationalism Slow, uneven return to quieter times People trade freedom for security RECOVERY