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A revolution is a drastic change that usually occurs relatively quickly. The word revolution means "a turn around." This may be a change in the social or political institutions over a relatively short period of time, or a major change in its culture or economy. Some revolutions are led by the majority of the populace of a nation, others by a small band of revolutionaries, a so-called palace revolution only touches the ruling elite. Compare rebellion.
Ethymology
The word derives from Late Latin revolutio "a revolving," from Latin revolvere "turn, roll back". It entered English, from Old French révolution, in 1390, originally only applied to celestial bodies. Only circa 1450 was it being used to mean " instance of great change in affairs"; the presently dominant political meaning is first recorded 1600, again following French, and was especially applied to the expulsion of the Stuart king James II of England in 1688 and transfer of sovereignty in Britain to William III and Mary.
Revolutionary as a noun is first attested 1850, from the adjective.
Study of revolutions
Revolutions have been studied by many social scientists, particularly sociologists, political scientists and historians. Among the leading scholars in that area is Theda Skocpol and Charles Tilly.
Political and socioeconomic revolutions
See list of revolutions and rebellions for a list of such revolutions.
Cultural, intellectual and philosophical revolutions
- Renaissance
- Protestant Reformation
- Scientific revolution
- Sexual revolution
- Quiet Revolution
- Consciousness Revolution
- Nonviolent revolution
- Cultural Revolution
Technological revolutions
These usually lead to transformations in society, culture and philosophy.
- Agricultural Revolution
- Digital Revolution
- Neolithic Revolution
- Price revolution
- Industrial Revolution
- Second Industrial Revolution
See also
- Anarchism
- Coup d'état
- Color revolution - revolutions named after colors, plants etc. in the period after the Cold War, mainly in post-communist societies
- List of fictional revolutions and coups
- Proletarian revolution
- Revolt
- Revolutionary wave
Sources and external links
- EtymologyOnLine
- Revolution in Political Risk Management
- libcom.org History section, containing histories of revolutionary movements throughout the world.
- United 4 Belarus Campaign, a British website drawing attention to the political crisis in Belarus, where a popular revolution is suspected after the 2006 presidential elections.