Lecture 01 Introduction to Revolutions Flashcards
What marks the initial phase of a revolution, according to Crane Brinton?
The breakdown of government control due to impossible demands made of the government, which, if granted, would lead to its collapse.
How do governments typically respond after the initial breakdown of control?
The government attempts to suppress the revolutionaries, but these efforts are unsuccessful.
What happens after the revolutionaries gain power?
Revolutionaries initially seem united behind a moderate regime.
What happens to the unity among revolutionaries once they gain power?
Unity begins to dissolve as revolutionaries argue and fight among themselves.
Who gains power as moderates lose control?
Power increasingly falls into the hands of extremists who resort to violence.
Why do moderates often lose control during a revolution?
Moderates fail to satisfy those on the fringes who demand more radical change.
What do extremists aim to achieve once in power?
Extremists embrace a utopian program to create a “heaven on earth” and punish all opponents.
What typically occurs under extremist rule?
A period of terror, characterized by violence and punishment of opponents.
What role does middle-class discontent play in a pre-revolutionary situation?
Middle-class discontent is a key symptom of developing revolutionary conditions.
What marks the end of a revolution?
Moderate groups regain power, ending the revolution.
How does order typically get restored after a period of terror?
A strong man emerges to assume all power and restore order.
What is Crane Brinton’s view on the uniqueness of historical events?
“The doctrine of the absolute uniqueness of events in history seems nonsense.”
How does an inefficient central government contribute to revolution?
An inefficient government, weak ruler, or war strains the machinery of government, fostering instability.
What financial issues can lead to revolution in a prosperous society?
The government faces financial shortages or bankruptcy despite a prosperous society.
What signifies the breakdown of government control?
The creation of a dual government composed of moderates and radicals attempting to lead the people.
How does class conflict contribute to the onset of revolution?
Conflicts become sharper the closer the classes are to each other on the social scale.
What happens during the rule of moderates?
Moderates lead initially but are eventually overthrown by a forceful minority of extremists.
How do extremists gain and consolidate power?
Extremists overthrow moderates, use violence, carry out purges, and often involve the government in civil or foreign wars.
What role do intellectuals play in pre-revolutionary situations?
Intellectuals desert the existing regime, and new ideas fuel revolutionary sentiment.
What marks the return to normalcy after a revolution?
The worst of the old system ends, there is a shift in power and property structure, and new ideas emerge.
What characterizes the reign of terror?
Severe class struggle, sharp economic crises, and widespread violence.
What happens during the convalescence phase of a revolution?
A strong man establishes rule, pressures relax, amnesty may be granted, and there is renewed focus on religion or ideology.
What questions are asked during the restoration phase?
Is the “patient” stronger or weaker? What difference does the revolution make?
What analogy does Crane Brinton use to describe the phases of revolution?
Brinton compares the phases of revolution to a “fever chart,” with symptoms, crises, and convalescence mirroring a patient’s illness and recovery.
What is monocausal?
Monocausal – meaning that a single
event, or chain of events leads to a
particular outcome. Direct cause and
effect.
What is multicausal?
Multicausal – or a “web” of events, ideas, people, etc., join together to explain why an event happens. Cause and effect isn’t always linear, isn’t always direct.
What financial issues can lead to revolution in a prosperous society?
The government faces financial shortages or bankruptcy despite a prosperous society.
What role does middle-class discontent play in a pre-revolutionary situation?
Middle-class discontent is a key symptom of developing revolutionary conditions.
What role do intellectuals play in pre-revolutionary situations?
Intellectuals desert the existing regime, and new ideas fuel revolutionary sentiment.
How does an inefficient central government contribute to revolution?
An inefficient government, weak ruler, or war strains the machinery of government, fostering instability.
How do extremists gain and consolidate power?
Extremists overthrow moderates, use violence, carry out purges, and often involve the government in civil or foreign wars.
How does class conflict contribute to the onset of revolution?
Conflicts become sharper the closer the classes are to each other on the social scale.
What signifies the breakdown of government control?
The creation of a dual government composed of moderates and radicals attempting to lead the people.
What happens during the rule of moderates?
Moderates lead initially but are eventually overthrown by a forceful minority of extremists.
