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John Locke, widely regarded as the grandfather of
political revolution
theory, said that :
"Government derives its authority from the consent of the governed"
and that "Governments
long in power often neglect the people. That is to say, promises for taxes."
Locke also held to the belief that "One or more class of people must be convinced that the government is blocking
their needs. Revolution depends on careful planning by a small group of people. This group provides the leadership for
revolutionaries." Some examples of this notion include the Sons of Liberty (Boston Tea Party) in the American Revolution
and the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution.
It can safely be said that all revolutionarily groups use violence or the threat of it to gain their
goals. This stems from the concept that "the end justifies the means".
In the early stages moderate demands for reform by moderate groups are rebuffed by
government. When the moderates are rebuffed the extremists take over the leadership of the revolution.
It is from this pattern that Crane Briton developed his model of revolution as
seen below
Crane Briton's Model of the Stages of
Revolution
and Their Associated Characteristics.
| Stage |
Characteristics |
| Preliminary |
Class antagonisms, government inefficiency, inept
ruler, intellectuals transfer loyalty, economic upgrade, failure of
force. |
| First |
Financial breakdown, government protests increase,
dramatic events, (e.g. storming the Bastille), moderates attain power,
honeymoon period. |
| Crisis |
Radicals seize control, moderates are driven from
office, civil war, foreign war, centralization of power in a
revolutionary council, council often dominated by strongman. |
| Recovery |
Slow, uneven return to quieter times, ruled by tyrant,
radicals repressed, moderates gain amnesty, aggressive nationalism,
return to normalcy as country gains strength. |
This model holds true for most revolutions. However, the
American Revolution remains a notable
exception.
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