Revolutions and National States in the Atlantic World

Defining Revolution Theda Skocpol’s definition of social revolution “Rapid, basic transformations of a society’s state and class structures, accompanied by, and in part accomplished through, popular revolts from below.” Origins and accomplishments of social-revolutionary transformations include: State structures International forces Class relations

Conditions for Revolution James DeFronzo’s summary of conditions for revolution 1) Mass discontent, leading to popular uprising (including the peasantry in rural society) 2) Dissident elite movements (marginal elites break away from the ruling group) 3) Unifying motivations (i.e. an ideology that cuts across differences among various social sectors) 4) State crisis leading to a breakdown in the adminstrative capacity of the state (may be triggered by major war/invasion, famine, economic collapse, decolonization, etc.) 5) Permissive world context (i.e. external powers do not effectively intervene to forestall revolution

Revolutionary Results Promotion of Enlightenment ideas Freedom Equality Popular Sovereignty Often limited to white men or elite classes Inspires marginalized groups to pursue further revolution (i.e. slaves, women, etc.) Encouragement of consolidation of national states as principal form of political organization

Influence of Revolution American Revolution “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” Successful attempt to expel the British from American colonies Establish new constitutional government French Revolution “Liberty, equality, and fraternity” Successful in abolishing old social order and establishing constitutional monarchy Reign of Terror Napoleon as dictator, Civil Code Inspire Haitian, Mexican, Brazilian Revolution Attempts to reform social and political order Abolition of slavery Women’s Rights

Conservatism v. Liberalism Ideology- Coherent vision of human nature, human society, and the larger world that proposes some particular form of political and social organization as ideal Justify current state of affairs Criticize status quo Argue for movement toward an improved society Seek to design a political and social order appropriate for communities

Conservatism v. Liberalism View society as organism that changes slowly Condemn radical or revolutionary change- leads to anarchy Gradual change comes about by general consensus Approve of American Revolution, not French View change as normal and welcomed agent of progress Manage change in best interests of society Support Enlightenment values of freedom and equality Favor representative government and written constitutions Concern with civil rights

Nationalism Before nineteenth century, people tend to identify with families, clans, cities, regions, religions, etc. Emergence of nations in nineteenth century People identify with distinctive characteristics Language Customs Cultural traditions Values Shared historical experiences Intense feelings of national identity promote political loyalty Vehicle for and result of revolutions and independence Zionism, unification of Germany and Italy, American Revolution, WWI, WWII, etc.