DISCUSS REVOLUTION AND THE CRITICAL FACTORS THAT CAUSES IT

BY:

……………………

AN ASSIGNMENT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL

SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES VERITAS

UNIVERSITY ABUJA.

COURSE/COURSE CODE

REVOLUTION AND SOCIETY PSD 451

LECTURER

Dr, Rev Fr Emmanuel Okwara

DATE

17-01-2023.

1
OUTLINE:
1. INTRODUCTION

2. FACTORS THAT CAUSE REVOLUTION

3. COUNTER-ARGUMENTS

4. CASE STUDY

5. CONCLUSION

6. REFERENCE

2
INTRODUCTION

Revolution, a recurring theme in the annals of history, is a phenomenon influenced by a

complex interplay of societal dynamics. One of the significant revolutions in world history

unfolded in 1789 with the French Revolution and later in 1917 with the Russian Revolution.

Both revolutions marked pivotal moments characterized by a blend of political and economic

transformations, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of new systems. The

Russian Revolution, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the Soviet

Union. Karl Marx's foundational analysis, as articulated in "The Communist Manifesto" and

"Das Kapital," centers on the concepts of class struggle and the dialectical materialism

framework. Marx posits that historical progress is characterized by conflicts between social

classes, and revolutions emerge when the oppressed class endeavors to upend the prevailing

social structure. Marx's viewpoint offers a fundamental insight into the dynamics of societal

change and the occurrence of revolutions. This essay aims to explore the critical factors

acting as catalysts for revolutions, drawing insights from historical events to illuminate the

multifaceted nature of revolutionary processes (Hobsbawm, 1959).

FACTORS THAT CAUSE REVOLUTION:

1. Social Injustice and Inequality: The historical record reveals that revolutions often

arise from social injustice and economic disparities. The French Revolution of 1789, a

seminal moment in history, was characterized by a profound socio-economic divide

that fueled the discontent of the masses (Hobsbawm, 1962).

2. Economic Factors: Economic instability, exemplified by poverty and unequal

resource distribution, has been a recurring theme in revolutionary narratives. The

Russian Revolution of 1917 is a classic case where widespread poverty and discontent

3
 among the proletariat catalyzed a radical shift in societal structures (Rosenberg,

2018).

3. Political Oppression: Political repression and the absence of political freedoms have

historically been significant factors contributing to revolutionary fervor. The

dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa during the 1990s underscores

how political oppression can act as a powerful catalyst for revolutionary movements

(Mandela, 1994).

4. Ideological and Cultural Catalysts: Ideological shifts and cultural movements have

played pivotal roles in shaping the course of revolutions. The American Revolution of

1776, rooted in the pursuit of democratic ideals, serves as a compelling example of

how ideological motivations can drive revolutionary change (Wood, 1991).

5. Technological Advancements: In the contemporary landscape, technological

advancements have redefined the dynamics of revolutions. The Arab Spring, starting

in 2010, demonstrated how social media and digital communication facilitated mass

mobilization and amplified voices in the pursuit of change (Howard & Hussain,

2013).

Counter-Arguments: While these factors often contribute to revolutions, it is essential to

recognize the complexity of these phenomena. Instances like the Cuban Revolution challenge

a straightforward analysis, as ideological motivations intertwine with socioeconomic factors

in unique ways (Thomas, 2001).

Case Study: The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, originating as a protest against police

brutality perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), evolved into a multifaceted

case study of societal discontent. Social injustice and economic inequality fueled the

4
movement, with the youth, disproportionately affected by police brutality, demanding justice

and equality. Economic frustrations, including high youth unemployment, provided a

backdrop for dissent, as protesters sought systemic changes to address grievances and create a

more equitable future.

The movement not only targeted police brutality but also reflected a broader call for political

reform, highlighting issues of political oppression within the Nigerian system. Ideologically,

#EndSARS witnessed a paradigm shift, leveraging social media as a potent tool for

organization and amplification. The movement transcended national boundaries, fostering a

sense of unity among Nigerians and drawing global attention to the systemic challenges

faced.

Technological advancements played a pivotal role, with social media facilitating rapid

information dissemination, protest coordination, and exposure of police brutality incidents.

While achieving some immediate successes, such as the disbandment of SARS, the

#EndSARS movement underscored the challenges of sustaining momentum and achieving

comprehensive systemic changes. The ongoing impact of the movement extends beyond

police reform, encompassing broader issues of governance, corruption, and youth

empowerment in Nigeria. #EndSARS stands as a contemporary illustration of how a

convergence of societal factors can catalyze a revolutionary movement with far-reaching

implications

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of revolutions, as exemplified by historical narratives and

contemporary movements like #EndSARS, reveals an intricate interplay of social, economic,

political, ideological, and technological factors. A nuanced comprehension of these catalysts

is crucial for unraveling the complex forces propelling societies toward transformative

5
moments. As we navigate the ongoing pages of history, revolutions persist as a powerful

testament to humanity's enduring pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom. Whether rooted in

the struggles of the past or echoed in the calls for change in the present, revolutions stand as

perennial reminders of the collective human endeavor to forge societies that embody these

fundamental values.

6
REFERENCE

Goodwin, J. (2001). No Other Way Out: States and Revolutionary Movements, 1945-

1991. Cambridge University Press.

Hobsbawm, E. J. (1959). Primitive Rebels: Studies in Archaic Forms of Social Movement

in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Manchester University Press.

Huntington, S. P. (1968). Political Order in Changing Societies. Yale University Press.

Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.

McAdam, D., Tarrow, S., & Tilly, C. (2001). Dynamics of Contention. Cambridge

University Press.

Moore, B. Jr. (1966). Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy: Lord and Peasant in

the Making of the Modern World. Beacon Press.

Skocpol, T. (1979). States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France,

Russia, and China. Cambridge University Press.

Tilly, C. (1978). From Mobilization to Revolution. Reading Research Quarterly, 13(4),

366-380. [DOI: 10.2307/747412]