FREV - Anatomy of a Revolution. (Lesson)

Anatomy of a Revolution. 

In 1938, historian Crane Brinton published his studies of the English Revolution, French Revolution, and Russian Revolution. In studying all three, he noted several similarities and ultimately determined that revolutions tend to follow the same course.

In his work, Anatomy of a Revolution, he outlines this course, borrowing many of his terms from pathology, comparing a revolution to a fever or a disease:

  • The revolutionary "fever" begins with the appearance of certain "symptoms."
  • It proceeds by advances and retreats to a crisis stage, or "delirium."
  • The crisis ends when the "fever" breaks.
  • A period of convalescence follows, interrupted by a relapse or two before the recovery is complete.

Let's take a look at the first part of a revolution: Conditions Present Before a Revolution Occurs. Take a close look at these items and see how true they are as we study the origins of the French Revolution.

CONDITIONS WHICH SEEM TO BE PRESENT AS CAUSES OF MAJOR REVOLUTIONS: People from all social classes are discontented. People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy or the government. People are hopeful about the future, but they are being forced to accept less than they had hoped for. People are beginning to think of themselves as belonging to a social class, and there is a growing bitterness between social classes. The social classes closest to one another are the most hostile. The scholars and thinkers give up on the way their society operates. The government does not respond to the needs of its society. The leaders of the government and the ruling class begin to doubt themselves. Some join with the opposition groups. The government is unable to get enough support from any group to save itself. The government cannot organize its finances correctly and is either going bankrupt or trying to tax heavily and unjustly. Information from Sue Pojer at HistoryTeacher.net

 

 As we move through the revolution, we'll revisit Brinton's pathology. You can, however, access all of it by clicking here. Links to an external site.

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.