Here is your essay on the characteristics of Revolution for school and college student:
A precise definition of the term, Revolution, involves different ramifications ranging on the implications of change, whether peaceful or violent, total or partial, minor or major. In political theory, it has a typical connotation signifying alteration in government along with changes in related associations and structures. In its core meaning, it ‘constitutes a challenge to the established political and the eventual establishment of a new order radically different from the preceding one’.
A possible line of difference between a revolt and a revolution may, however, be drawn in the affirmation that while both hint at a sudden, jolting and significant change in the existing system, the former does not imply the idea of ‘profound change’ as does the latter. The means employed to bring about a sudden, major and profound change may vary from purely constitutional or non-violent to those thoroughly violent and extremist.
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There also prevails the concept of “counter revolution” when a revolution takes place to undo the results of a revolution; for instance, the Communist Party of China, staged a revolution in 1927 and its suppression by the ‘Nationalists’ under Chiang Kai-Shek was dubbed as a ‘counterrevolution’. Thus, a revolution certainly aims to alter the structure of subordination.
Characteristics of Revolution:
It is true that numerous revolutions have taken place in different part of the world, yet it is impossible to establish an objective and general pattern of revolution or even an adequate definition applicable to all periods. We should, thus, confine our attention to the implication and general characteristics of revolution, to gain a better understanding of the concept. They are:
i. Beginning of a process
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ii. Implies a change
iii. Signifies a coherent programme
iv. Myth to Political leadership
Beginning of a Process:
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Revolution denotes a process in which political direction taken by a state becomes increasingly discredited in the eyes of either the population as a whole or a certain key section of it. Such a process may culminate in a revolutionary event or other activities like an outburst, upheaval, agitation or a change of government by more peaceful means.
Implies a Change:
After the process has begun, revolution implies a change of established order, or government at a clearly defined point in time by the use of armed forces or the credible threat of its use. Moreover, the change should be sudden and not gradual. Here, mere repudiation of authority is not enough. Existing authority on account of being devoid of ‘legitimacy’ should be replaced by a new one that is ‘righteous’. As such, it is different from an activity like disorder, revolt or rebellion.
Signifies a Coherent Programme:
Revolution also signifies a more or less coherent programme of change in either political or social instructions of a state or both, induced by the political leadership after a revolutionary event, the transition of power has occurred. In any variety of revolution whether it is liberal, communist, quasi-revolutionary, limited or unlimited, proper or sub- revolution, with negative or positive aspects – all follow a well knit code of action and program to get desired results to the maximum extent possible.
Mythical Status to Political Leadership:
Revolution also hints at giving a mythical status to political leadership resulting from a revolutionary transition, short term status as legitimate government of the state. For instance, the inauguration of Fascism in Italy in 1922 and Nazism in Germany in 1933 were hailed as revolutions though they entailed the doom of liberal democracy. The heroes of these nations were worshipped as ‘prophets’ and people opted for a dictatorship without showing enthusiasm for replacing a despotic system with a constitutional government.