FREV - Let's take another look at Crane Brinton's Anatomy of a Revolution. (Lesson)

Let's take another look at Crane Brinton's Anatomy of a Revolution. 

It's time for the second part of Brinton's Anatomy.

THE COURSE THAT REVOLUTIONS SEEM TO TAKE: Impossible demands made of government which, if granted, would mean its end.  Unsuccessful government attempts to suppress revolutionaries. Revolutionaries gain power and seem united. Once in power, revolutionaries begin to quarrel among themselves, and unity begins to dissolve. The moderates gain the leadership but fail to satisfy those who insist on further changes. Power is gained by progressively more radical groups until finally a lunatic fringe gains almost complete control. A strong man emerges and assumes great power. The extremists try to create a "heaven on earth" by introducing their whole program and by punishing all their opponents. A period of terror occurs. Moderate groups regain power. The revolution is over.

 

Questions to Consider

  1. Did the ideals of the revolution change as its leadership changed?
  2. Were the original goals of the revolution achieved? At what point? Were these achievements conserved?
  3. Which social classes gained most from the revolution? Which lost? Did the original ruling group or individuals from this group return to power?
  4. How was the old political, social, and economic order of society [Ancien Regime] changed as a result of the revolution?

 

 

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