What is a revolution?
A revolution as defined by Aristotle, is a modification or complete change to another constitution ("Revolution"). Revolutions have happened all throughout history, examples being The French Revolution, or the American Revolution. Each revolution varies in "methods, duration, and motivation". The end result of a revolution is generally a major change in culture, economy and governmental institutions. However, there is still debate over what constitutes a revolution. Often it was studied through psychology however these days sociology and political science are also applied.
Are there types of Revolutions?
Yes, the classic scholar Alexis de Tocqueville made 3 distinctions.
Firstly, a political revolution. Which according to the Trotskyist theory is a large change in which the government or the form of government is changed but where private affairs are left intact. The French Revolutions in 1830 and 1848 are examples of a political revolution. ("Revolution")
Secondly, sudden and violent revolutions that aim to create a new political system as well as change society, and thirdly slow, broad change that takes several generations to take hold (such as religion).
However this is only 1 way to seperate revolutions, Charles Tilly divided it into a coup, a top-down takeover of power, a civil war and a "great revolution" which is a revolution which changes economic, social and political landscape (e.g. Islam Revolution in Iran).
Firstly, a political revolution. Which according to the Trotskyist theory is a large change in which the government or the form of government is changed but where private affairs are left intact. The French Revolutions in 1830 and 1848 are examples of a political revolution. ("Revolution")
Secondly, sudden and violent revolutions that aim to create a new political system as well as change society, and thirdly slow, broad change that takes several generations to take hold (such as religion).
However this is only 1 way to seperate revolutions, Charles Tilly divided it into a coup, a top-down takeover of power, a civil war and a "great revolution" which is a revolution which changes economic, social and political landscape (e.g. Islam Revolution in Iran).
The Anatomy of Revolution
The Anatomy of Revolution is a book by Crane Brinton outlining the "uniformities" of four major political revolutions: the English Revolution of the 1640s, the American, the French, and 1917 Russian Revolution. ("Anatomy of Revolution Explanation")
As taken from the Anatomy of Revolution.
Pre-existing Conditions that could lead to revolution:
1. People from all social classes are discontented.
2. People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy or
the government.
3. People are hopeful about the future, but they are being forced to accept less than they had hoped
for.
4. People are beginning to think of themselves as belonging to a social class, and there is a growing
bitterness between social classes.
5. The social classes closest to one another are the most hostile.
6. The scholars and thinkers give up on the way their society operates.
7. The government does not respond to the needs of its society.
8. The leaders of the government and the ruling class begin to doubt themselves. Some join with the
opposition groups.
9. The government is unable to get enough support from any group to save itself.
10. The government cannot organize its finances correctly and is either going bankrupt or trying to tax
heavily and unjustly.
(Exam Review: Anatomy of Revolution)
During and After the Revolution
1. Impossible demands made of government which, if granted, would mean its end.
2. Unsuccessful government attempts to suppress revolutionaries.
3. Revolutionaries gain power and seem united.
4. Once in power, revolutionaries begin to quarrel among themselves, and unity begins to dissolve.
5. The moderates gain the leadership but fail to satisfy those who insist on further changes.
6. Power is gained by progressively more radical groups until finally a lunatic fringe gains almost
complete control.
7. A strong man emerges and assumes great power.
8. The extremists try to create a "heaven on earth" by introducing their whole program and by
punishing all their opponents.
9. A period of terror occurs.
10. Moderate groups regain power. The revolution is over.
(Exam Review: Anatomy of Revolution)
Although this is only one man's take on why revolutions occur, the Anatomy of Revolution, which was published in 1938 is still one of the leading ideas on what commonly causes revolution and what occurs after it.
As taken from the Anatomy of Revolution.
Pre-existing Conditions that could lead to revolution:
1. People from all social classes are discontented.
2. People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy or
the government.
3. People are hopeful about the future, but they are being forced to accept less than they had hoped
for.
4. People are beginning to think of themselves as belonging to a social class, and there is a growing
bitterness between social classes.
5. The social classes closest to one another are the most hostile.
6. The scholars and thinkers give up on the way their society operates.
7. The government does not respond to the needs of its society.
8. The leaders of the government and the ruling class begin to doubt themselves. Some join with the
opposition groups.
9. The government is unable to get enough support from any group to save itself.
10. The government cannot organize its finances correctly and is either going bankrupt or trying to tax
heavily and unjustly.
(Exam Review: Anatomy of Revolution)
During and After the Revolution
1. Impossible demands made of government which, if granted, would mean its end.
2. Unsuccessful government attempts to suppress revolutionaries.
3. Revolutionaries gain power and seem united.
4. Once in power, revolutionaries begin to quarrel among themselves, and unity begins to dissolve.
5. The moderates gain the leadership but fail to satisfy those who insist on further changes.
6. Power is gained by progressively more radical groups until finally a lunatic fringe gains almost
complete control.
7. A strong man emerges and assumes great power.
8. The extremists try to create a "heaven on earth" by introducing their whole program and by
punishing all their opponents.
9. A period of terror occurs.
10. Moderate groups regain power. The revolution is over.
(Exam Review: Anatomy of Revolution)
Although this is only one man's take on why revolutions occur, the Anatomy of Revolution, which was published in 1938 is still one of the leading ideas on what commonly causes revolution and what occurs after it.