WORLD HISTORY II Revolution

What is a revolution? When people attempt to completely transform the social, economic, political and ideological features of society

What is not a revolution? Coup d’etat/putsch- essentially the seizure of power by a relatively small group of people, often involving sections of the military. Civil war Revolt/rebellion

Conditions that may cause a revolution (Crane Brinton) People from all social classes discontented People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy, or the government The government does not respond to the needs of its society. The scholars and thinkers give up on the way their society operates.

Conditions cont’d The govt is unable to get enough support from any group to save itself. The govt cannot organize its finances correctly and is either going bankrupt or trying to tax heavily and unjustly People are beginning to think of themselves as belonging to a social class, and there is growing bitterness between social classes.

The course that rev seem to take Impossible demands made of govt which if granted, would mean its end. Unsuceesful govt attempts to suppress revolutionaries Revolutionaries gain power and seem united Once in power, revolutionaries begin to quarrel among themselves

The course that revolution seem to take The extremists try to create a “heaven on earth” by introducing their whole program and punishing all of their opponents A period of terror occurs Moderate group regain power. The revolution is over.

Course cont’d The moderates gain the leadership but fail to satisfy those who insist on further changes Power is gained by progressively radical groups A strong man emerges and assumes great power

Characteristics of all revolutions Involve mass mobilization Led by revolutionary leaders and parties Involve a certain amount of violence

Types of revolution Political revolutions- occur mainly when new economic and social developments have already begun to transform society, but where existing political rulers and institutions are tending to hold back further changes. Social revolutions- more fundamental and deep- going upheavals than political revolutions in that they are attempts, above all, to transfer economic assets and power, and social and political status and privileges from one social group to another

Stages of a Revolution Stage One: Characterized by the activities of writers who denounce existing conditions, satirize common practices and ideals, and destroy faith in prevailing institutions. These writers usually provide new goals and urge the necessity for reforms.

Stages Cont’d Stage Two: As a result of dissatisfaction, riots, assassinations, and other violent acts take place. The ruling group is compelled to make concessions until a real transfer of power takes place.

Stage Three: By peaceful means, reformers try to carry out their ideas. If these are too drastic, they will split the nation and extremist will come to power

Stage Four: The former rulers now out of power, try to gain control of the government. Civil wars follows and the radicals are more firmly entrenched in power. Stage Five: The radicals attempt to carry out their program.

Stage Six: The radicals run their course, people grow tire, and the country drifts back to normal. Stage Seven: A new regime embarks upon a career of conquest under the guide of liberating other nations. This is the imperialist, or Bonapartist stage