Revolutions MWH C. Corning Nov. 2009

Essential Questions What is a revolution? What are common chararcteristics of revolutions? What causes revolutions?

Review of Revolutions in History American – pgs (Ben & Agnes) French – pgs (Nathan & Alex M) Latin American – pgs (Alex P & Jin Woo) European (1815 – 1848) – pgs (Alex T, Simmmi & Earl) Ireland – pgs 320 – 321(Jumpei, Non & Sue) Mexico – pgs (Brianna & Kristin) Iran – pgs 552 – 553 (Takahiro & Pasin)

What is a Revolution? A sudden or significant change in the Economic, Political or Social structure/system of a nation by the governed. This change is often by force and is usually swift and permanent.

Revolutions are caused by: Government actions not reflecting the will of the people. People believe that they have no other way of influencing the government policies or implementing reforms. Poverty of the people. Unequal/unfair land distribution. People being denied their rights. Government trying to control too many aspects of people’s lives. Government corruption.

Causes of Revolution (cont.): Political, Social, Religious and Economic inequalities and/or injustices. Anger over inherited wealth and social position; lack of social mobility. Introduction of new Social, Political and Economic Ideas from either inside the country or outside influences. Organized leaders offer a vision of a better future. Poor performance in war/military actions.

Causes of Revolution (cont.): Inequalities between religious or ethnics groups within the nation. Poor government response to crime, disease, famine, natural disasters, etc. Poor economic decisions by the government. Shortage and/or increase in prices of food and consumer goods. People disagree with the political, economic or social structure/system of the nation.

Characteristics of Revolutions? Public protests, demonstrations and/or strikes. Government attempts to use soldiers or police to break up protests. Government imposes curfews, jails protest leaders; possibly kill those who oppose their rule. Violence, disorder, bombings, terrorism and chaos. Civil disobedience – non-violent, purposeful disobeying of the government.

Characteristics of Revolutions: New ways of thinking about politics, economics and/or society. Resistance by those who favor the status quo (counter-revolution!) Use of propaganda by both sides. Radicals seize control of the revolution. Migration – people flee the country. Military coups. Intervention by other nations. Civilian deaths and destruction of property.

Theories - Revolutions Crane Brinton: Phase One – Preliminary Stage 1. Class Antagonism 2. Government Inefficiency 3. Inept Ruler 4. Intellectual Transfer of Loyalty 5. Failure of Force

Brinton’s Theory Phase Two – First Stage 1. Financial Breakdown 2. Government Protests Increase 3. Dramatic Events 4. Moderates Attain Power 5. Honeymoon Period

Brinton’s Theory Phase Three – Crisis Stage 1. Radicals Take Control 2. Moderates Driven from Power 3. Civil War 4. Foreign War 5. Centralization of Power in a Revolutionary Council Dominated by a Strong Man

Brinton’s Theory Phase Four – Recovery Stage 1. Slow, Uneven Return to Quieter Times 2. Rule by a Tyrant 3. Radicals Repressed 4. Moderates Gain Amnesty 5. Aggressive Nationalism