1. 7 Stages of Revolution
WHG
Mr. Lutke

2. Background
In 1938 Crane Brinton published a book titled The Anatomy of Revolution. He believed that most revolutions fit into 7 stages.
These stages are explained in the following slides.
This presentation also uses the American Revolution as an example to explain the stages. After the presentation think about how well you think the stages fit the American Revolution.

3. 1: Normal
This is the person or group in power before the revolution takes place. The regime that gained power through traditional means.
Ex: King of England (in power before the American Revolution)

4. 2: Criticism of Existing Regime
When intellectuals begin to publicly criticize the regime in power. It can be spoken or written criticism.
Exs: Thomas Paine’s book, Common Sense, and the 1st Continental Congress getting together to criticize the King or other “founding fathers” criticizing the King and England’s rule of the colonies.

5. 3: Widespread Dissatisfaction
This stage is when many people join the criticism and the intellectuals’ “movement.”
A large portion of the population jumps on the bandwagon and criticizes the person or group in power.
Ex: Boston Tea Party or other protests by the colonists. Not just the wealthy, intellectuals criticizing the British; many join in.

6. 4: Transfer of Power
Those who supported the revolution/movement gain power and begin reforms or changes.
Ex: Declaration of Independence – declares the colonies independent and puts the “founding fathers” in power.

7. 5: Civil War
War between old and new regime. People in the old regime do not want the revolution, and the new regime wants power and wants change.
Ex: Revolutionary War – Britain and Tories or loyalists fight against those for independence and freedom in the colonies known to the British as rebels.

8. 6: Reign of Terror
Winner of the war often uses terror and violence to maintain or gain order and control of the people and any dissenters.
Ex. There was no “real” reign of terror in the American Revolution. Though colonists did attack, tar and feather, and even kill loyalists prior to and during the revolution.

9. 7: Thermidorian Reaction
A period of recovery from the “fever of revolution” (Brinton 205).
Often strong decisive leader takes power or is in power and brings the country back to normalcy.
Ex: George Washington becomes president, and the country returns to peace.

10. To what extent do you think
the American Revolution fit into Brinton’s 7 Stages?