Famous Revolutions
Renaissance: It is a name given to the Revival of Learning, which started in Italy in the early 14th century
and slowly spread throughout Europe in the late 15th century. It was a
cultural movement that affected areas, such as art, literature,
education and spread of science and technology.
The Glorious Revolution:
A bloodless revolution in England in 1688-89, the Glorious Revolution
resulted in the overthrow of the unpopular King James II and declaration
of William of Orange (a Dutch) and his wife Mary, daughter of King
James as joint sovereigns of England.
The American Revolution:
It is the name given to the struggle by which England's 13 colonies in
North America declared their independence. The declaration of
Independence was issued on July 4, 1776. Its author was Thomas
Jefferson.
The French Revolution:
It is the name given to the struggle which swept away the Old Regime in
France, as well as the fundamental changes which resulted from that
struggle. The immediate cause of the French Revolution was the bankrupt
condition of the French Treasury under Louis XV and Louis XVI. On July
14, 1789 the revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, the state prison for
political prisoners that symbolised the king's despotism. The fall of
the Bastille marked the end of monarchy. The King was beheaded on the
guillotine in 1793 on charges of treason. A new constitution was adopted
in 1795.
Industrial Revolution: It donates a series of changes in the economic conditions of England in the 18th and 19thcenturies
brought about the invention of various kinds of machines that could be
used for the industrial progress of the country, such as steam engine,
spinning and weaving machines; the industrial revolution took place not
only in England but also in other West European countries and the USA.
Russian Revolution: It was one of the most significant events of the 20th century;
main causes were:discontent towards the autocratic rule of Nicholas II,
the new Czar; special privileges enjoyed by the upper class; and
miserable conditions of the labourers and factory workers. The
Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized powers in Petrograd (now Leningrad) on
November 7,1917. Nicholas II was forced to abdicate. In 1923, the Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) came into being.
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956:
This revolution took place as a result of public discontent due to the
policies of Matthias Rakosi, head of the Communist Party and the
Hungarian government. The revolution witnessed large scale participation
of students and workers. A new government under Janos Kadar came into
being.
China's Cultural Revolution:
It occurred due to conflict between the radicals and moderates in the
Communist Party with Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party,
supporting the radicals. The radicals accused the moderates of falling
to follow communist principles.
Islamic Revolution in Iran:
The revolution was a result of hostility of old-fashioned religious
leaders and public towards economic and social reforms introduced by
Mohammad Reza Pahlevi, the last Shah of Iran. Shah's policies led to
fierce fighting and rioting which the government could not control. In
February 1979, a revolutionary government took over under the leadership
of Ayatollah Khomeni. Iran was proclaimed an Islamic Republic.
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