revolution

The word revolution comes from the Latin word, revolutio, meaning “a turn around”. It first appears in the treatise, “On the Revolution of Celestial Bodies” in 1543 written by Copernicus to describe the circular movement of a “planet, moon, satellite, etc”. However, the definition of  the word known today, defining “an abrupt change in the social system involving the government”, isn’t established until 1450. In 1688, the word is described in a political context, triggered by the change of sovereignty from James II to William and May. The “Glorious Revolution” of the 1688 was used in a modern definition meaning a “fundamental and irreversible change in the government” that affects many levels of the society such as the economy, culture, and society. 

Revolution is based off of ideologies. In a revolution, the political system is challenged by those who are dissatisfied with the structure of the government and wish to reform to meet the ideology. For instance, the French Revolution (1789-1799) was a reformation of the government, triggered by the abuse of power of the absolute monarchy, which led to the change from the absolute monarchy to a closer extent of democracy. However, the revolution didn’t fully form from the dissatisfied citizens, but from the ideologiescreated by educated, middle class philosophers. The ideology of the French Revolution,“liberty, fraternity and equality”, acted as a catalyst and unified the proletariats. 

Revolution, today, is affiliated with the sense of rebellion, challenging the existing system. It is usually achieved through violence, although the question rises on whether violence is necessary in a revolution. 

Revolution still occurs in the modern society, perhaps more often, but not as dense as it used to be. It springs from the belief that revolution leads to  progress oin society, economy and politics. However, constantly changing ideologies will never allow one revolution to reach to a conclusion, but a life time of them. 

1. revolution. Oxford English Dictionary. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/164970?rskey=Ro7uaW&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid (accessed November 21, 2012).

2. Revolution. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution (accessed November 21, 2012).

3. Revolution. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution (accessed November 21, 2012).

4. Revolution. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution (accessed November 21, 2012).