Since revolution means "to revolve" or "to return to a previous position," it is fitting to consider what 2014 will bring. The term "revolution" did not mean "violent coup" until the late 1700s with the American expulsion of British governance in the New World and the ousting of the monarchy in France. The French Revolution sought to ease the tax burden on the Third Estate, the common man, but only established a new monarchy with Napoleon after half a decade of death.
The new idea of nationalism, that one's own culture and country were inherently superior to others, spread through Europe with Napoleon's conquests. Because a majority of the peoples of Europe lived in national boundaries determined by larger groups, the mid-nineteenth century saw several revolts. Germany and Austria had several cities overrun with revolutionaries because of the nature of those countries' populations: large numbers of minority groups vying for unity and political voice. These politically undermined groups developed a secessionist attitude that created a divisive atmosphere against the common, historic holdings of power. As groups sought independence from major powers, pro-anarchy sentiments rose, and sixty-six years after the revolutions of 1848, the 1914 Serbian situation provoked the great nations of Europe, and with them the world, into the Great War.
Not all revolutions resulted in the collapse of governments or world wars. The 1848 revolutions in Europe cemented a modern understanding of citizens rallying against government policies without destroying the system as a whole. Seeking a different, maybe better, way of life, economic, civil, militaristic, spiritual, or political reforms gained popular support to change legislation. In America, "Populists" took on a similar role in the 1880s before transforming into Progressives.
In the first decade of this millennium the world seems to have invigorated recent revolutions including Egypt and Ukraine which have continued this trend of voicing discontentment for information access rights to national alliances and economic concerns.
Having examined the acts of insurrection and rebellion of uprisings from Rome to England, France, Germany, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and America, there remains only one question: What drives man to rebel?
Is it resistance of exploitation? Fear of oppression or destruction? Anger? Desire to protect wealth and family? Hope for a better future?
If those questions are the answers to the cause, why do some people choose not to revolt in similar circumstances?
People hope. For improvement, life, and accomplishment. Not always are those hopes fulfilled, but one of the greatest encouragements about our species is the desire to strive forward for greatness. The most devastated people demonstrate their strength and hope in the darkest days. Man does not surrender.
When any of life's aspects challenge the certainties and comforts of familiarity, your choice is whether or not fighting is worthy of man's efforts. For with the power of hope, change comes.
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Agatha Tyche
