7 Stages of Revolution

1. 7 Stages of Revolution WHG Mr. Lutke

2. Background • In 1938 Crane Brinton published a book titled The Anatomy of Revolution. He believed that most revolutions fit into 7 stages. • These stages are explained in the following slides. • This presentation also uses the American Revolution as an example to explain the stages. After the presentation think about how well you think the stages fit the American Revolution.

3. 1: Normal • This is the person or group in power before the revolution takes place. The regime that gained power through traditional means. • Ex: King of England (in power before the American Revolution)

4. 2: Criticism of Existing Regime • When intellectuals begin to publicly criticize the regime in power. It can be spoken or written criticism. • Exs: Thomas Paine’s book, Common Sense, and the 1st Continental Congress getting together to criticize the King or other “founding fathers” criticizing the King and England’s rule of the colonies.

5. 3: Widespread Dissatisfaction • This stage is when many people join the criticism and the intellectuals’ “movement.” • A large portion of the population jumps on the bandwagon and criticizes the person or group in power. • Ex: Boston Tea Party or other protests by the colonists. Not just the wealthy, intellectuals criticizing the British; many join in.

6. 4: Transfer of Power • Those who supported the revolution/movement gain power and begin reforms or changes. • Ex: Declaration of Independence – declares the colonies independent and puts the “founding fathers” in power.

7. 5: Civil War • War between old and new regime. People in the old regime do not want the revolution, and the new regime wants power and wants change. • Ex: Revolutionary War – Britain and Tories or loyalists fight against those for independence and freedom in the colonies known to the British as rebels.

8. 6: Reign of Terror • Winner of the war often uses terror and violence to maintain or gain order and control of the people and any dissenters. • Ex. There was no “real” reign of terror in the American Revolution. Though colonists did attack, tar and feather, and even kill loyalists prior to and during the revolution.

9. 7: Thermidorian Reaction • A period of recovery from the “fever of revolution” (Brinton 205). • Often strong decisive leader takes power or is in power and brings the country back to normalcy. • Ex: George Washington becomes president, and the country returns to peace.

10. To what extent do you think the American Revolution fit into Brinton’s 7 Stages?