Every Major Revolution Explained in X

Minutes
Russian Revolution
The almost two-decade-long Russian Revolution began in 1905 with the ‘Bloody Sunday,’ a
peaceful protest that resulted in the loss of life of unarmed protestors at the hands of the Tsar’s
army. This was a time when Russia was fighting a losing war with Japan. Tsar Nicholas II, the
ruling monarch, and his government were both incompetent and cared little about working-class
Russians. The soldiers were fighting with insufficient supplies, and those back home suffered
from food shortages, poor working conditions, and low wages.

Tsar Nicholas’s weakening support declined when he decided to lead the Russian troops during
World War 1, despite his advisors telling him not to do so. The Russians had a huge army, yet
they were doing poorly, with approximately 1.7 million being killed. In March 1917, many women
protested on the streets of St.Petersburg against the aristocracy and their policies. Ironically, the
troops sent to control the protests joined it instead, effectively ending the might of the Imperial
rule.

Nicholas II abdicated the throne, handing over power to the Duma, forming the temporary
Russian Provisional Government the same month. This marked the end of the monarchy in
Russia. The family spent the rest of their days in exile before finally being executed in 1918.

The formerly exiled Vladimir Lenin and his leftist Bolshevik Party pushed for a new Soviet
government not run by the elite but by workers, soldiers, and peasants. During the October
Revolution of 1917, Lenin and his Red Army successfully overthrew the Duma in a military
coup. By 1918, the capital was moved to Moscow, and Russia had lost much of its Eastern
European territories, including Poland, Ukraine, and Czechoslovakia.

The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution happened in the French settlement of Saint-Domingue from 1791 to
1804. It was a turning point in history as it was the only slave revolt that led to the creation of a
free country.

Many things, such as the unfair treatment of African slaves, the ideas of freedom and
equality from the French Revolution, and the leadership of important people like
Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, caused the Haitian Revolution.

In 1791, a slave revolt in the northern part of Saint-Domingue set off the new
government. Toussaint Louverture, a former slave, organized the rebels by leading the
oppressed in rebelling against their masters. Through their efforts, the rebel-held
section of the colony continued to expand, ultimately leading to their victory. In 1804,
Haiti declared independence from France, becoming the world's first black nation and
the second nation to achieve independence from a European power.

Haiti, frequently labeled as the "poorest country in the Western Hemisphere," is

abundant in culture, history, and spirit. Those who felt threatened by Haiti's interests
intentionally suppressed its pioneering spirit. Western countries declined to
acknowledge Haiti's independence unless it compensated France for its claimed
damages. France requested a substantial sum worth billions of dollars today, which took
almost a century for the country to repay. This debt payment significantly impacted the
country's economy.

The Iranian Revolution

In 1978, widespread protests occurred in Iran as individuals from all backgrounds called for
political reforms and the cessation of the Shah's dictatorial governance. The revolution
intensified with the assistance of religious figures, particularly Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who
had been exiled to France.

Following the protest against the Shah in January 1978, strikes and protests shut down the
country. The Iranian Revolution peaked in early 1979, and the Shah left Iran in mid-January.
Two weeks later, Ayatollah Khomeini was welcomed back to Tehran by several million Iranians.
The regal government was then overthrown on February 11, when rebel troops fought in the
streets and beat Shah’s loyalists.

After the country voted, Iran became the Islamic Republic on April 1, 1979. Khomeini became
Supreme Leader afterward.

The revolution was unusual and shocked the world because it caused big changes quickly, had
a huge following, and toppled the system well protected by a well-funded army and security
service. It resulted in significant changes to the country's political and social structure, such as
enforcing Islamic law and nationalizing major firms. However, it also caused political unrest and
global isolation for Iran.

Cuban Revolution
In the early 20th century, Cuba was caught in a geopolitical struggle between declining colonial
powers and the growing influence of the United States. The island, abundant in sugar and
tobacco, transformed into a leisure destination for the wealthy and represented inequality and
external control.
Eventually, the people decided they had enough with the US-backed dictator, Fulgencio
Batista’s unjust rule. Taking up arms, they organized a bold attack on the Moncada Barracks on
July 26, 1953. Initiated by a young lawyer named Fidel Castro, this bold act of rebellion, while
not successful, sparked the revolution. In response to this, the Castro brothers were exiled to
Mexico. But little did Batista know it wasn’t going to stop their movement.

They led a guerilla campaign from the Sierra Maestra highlands, gaining the support of the
Cuban people. Their first successful battle would be the Battle of La Plata in July 1958. From
then on came a series of victories for the rebels who continued to advance North. By January 1,
1959, Fulgencio Batista was forced to relinquish power and flee the country, making the
revolution successful.

Cuba was transformed into a socialist state, which posed a challenge to the United States' /\
Zdominance during the Cold War. The revolution provided education, healthcare, and fostered a
sense of national pride among the Cuban population.

Chinese Revolution
During the final years of the Qing Dynasty, China was governed by the Manchu emperors. But
by the 19th century, their control was weakening. Its leaders needed to be more competent, and
the people were restless. Foreign nations intruded on Chinese territory, causing underlying
dissatisfaction to intensify.

An arrangement was made with international bankers to build the Hukuang Railway in central
China. Discontent arose when the Beijing government assumed control of a railway line in
Sichuan. In September 1911, the stockholders sought more, and their frustration led to open
rebellion. Soldiers' rebellion in the city of Wuchang signified the official onset of the revolution.

The rebels took control of the Wuchang mint and arsenal, leading to a series of cities rebelling
against the Qing dynasty. The regent, in a state of fear, agreed to the assembly's request for a
constitution. Yuan Shikai, a former ruler, was summoned out of retirement to rescue the
declining dynasty. However, he delayed, and by the end of the year, 14 provinces had rebelled
against the Qing authority. Manchu garrisons were defeated, leading to the establishment of a
temporary republican government in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen returned from overseas and was
chosen as the provisional president.

The Qing Dynasty collapsed on February 12, 1912, leading to an end to imperial rule and the
establishment of a republic. The revolution resulted in 500,000 to 2,000,000 casualties,
displaced millions, and caused significant economic disruption. Still, the Chinese Revolution had
established a new direction, symbolizing optimism for a country eager for transformation.
Young Turk Revolution
The Young Turk Revolution was ironically set off by the then-sultan himself when he chose to
abandon his vow. Abdul Hamid II, who came to power through a palace coup, increased hopes
by announcing a constitution and calling for a parliament. However, the dream was brief as the
sultan suspended the constitution and silenced the parliament after a bitter war with Russia,
leading the empire back into darkness.

In July 1908, a revolution began in the Macedonian hills. Major Ahmed Niyazi led a group of
more than 200 devoted supporters in a rebellion against the sultan's oppressive rule. The
revolutionaries used smart strategies and formed alliances to force the sultan to reinstate the
constitution, reconvene the parliament, and schedule elections. The Second Constitutional Era
began, marking a new phase in the empire's rich history.

The movement was a continuation of the constitutionalist movements from the 19th century.
However, it also resulted in significant alterations to the socio-political environment. A new elite
group gained power, the army's influence in governing grew, and the foundation of party politics
was established. The revolution paved the way for the empire's downfall, resulting in its breakup
and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

The American Revolution

In the 18th century, whispers of rebellion were making waves across American colonies. The
British monarchy in London enforced taxes, increased control, and viewed the colonists as mere
subjects. This ignited a spark of liberty and rebellion.

The "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" event commenced the Battle of Lexington and
Concord. Farmers, blacksmiths, and patriots armed themselves against the powerful British
Redcoat army. It was the American snipers that did devastating damage to the British ranks,
bringing the total of British deaths to 273, while the Americans lost over 90 men.

The war extended from the cobblestone alleys of Boston to the fields of Saratoga. The Battle of
Bunker Hill in 1775 featured the siege- of Boston, a huge blow to the British troops. While the
siege was unsuccessful, it cost the British 40% of its force. Just one year later, the Declaration
of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted by the colonies on July 4, 1776.

It proclaimed that the United Colonies were now independent states, not subjects. George
Washington confronted overwhelming challenges with his makeshift Continental Army, yet he
was victorious.

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance gave the American troops the
upper hand with the French now their allies. By 1778 France declared war on Britain, further
weakening their troops.
The Siege of Yorktown was a decisive battle that involved French and American troops fighting
against the British. The cannons fired, muskets discharged, and the Redcoats surrendered.
Lord Cornwallis surrendered by laying down his sword after being overpowered. The British
Empire's control weakened, allowing the United States of America to emerge from the war, a
new nation formed on the principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance.

French Revolution
Late 18th century, France faced bankruptcy, and Louis XVI, the king of France, was still
engaging in a very expensive hobby, fighting the British.

French society during this time was divided into three estates. The nobility, the clergy, and the
commoners. While the first two estates celebrated their recent victory in the Anglo-French war,
the estate of the commoners was forced to bear the burden of the national debt due to heavy
taxation. Sadly for the peasants, harsh weather conditions affected crops and further contributed
to widespread hunger.

In 1789, facing a financial crisis, King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to address reforms,
including taxation. The assembly reached a stalemate, leading the commoners to form the
National Assembly during the Tennis Court Oath. Their actions displeased Louis XVI and
European monarchies, prompting fears of a military coup. In response, revolutionaries stormed
the Bastille, marking the start of the French Revolution. By August, the National Assembly
enacted a new constitution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, ending
privileges and unjust taxes.

Lucky for King Louis, France was still a constitutional monarchy, but his luck soon ran out. In
September 1792, the French Republic was established, ending the monarchy. The people had
had enough of the aristocracy. They decided to get back at the King by executing him at the
Guillotine in January 1793 for committing high treason and a bunch of other crimes.

This would lead to the ‘The Reign of Terror,’ since having executed the King meant that no one
was safe, and they were right. During this violent period, the Committee of Public Safety would
go on to chop off about 16,000 heads, including that of their former queen, Marie Antoinette.

The French Revolution successfully introduced enlightenment ideals like equal rights and
punishments without making exceptions, all considered radical for their time.

Industrial Revolution
Britain faced a pivotal moment in the late 18th century. The fields were expansive, yet the poor
suffered from starvation. Traditional methods, such as cottage industries and handloom
weaving, needed to be revised. In 1698, the introduction of the steam engine set off a wave of
revolution. The coal-fired and piston-driven machine offered unprecedented power.
In Manchester, a town covered in cotton, a mill emerged as a magnificent structure filled with
noisy looms and spinning machines. The factory system originated. Men, women, and children
worked together, with their fingertips stained with cotton lint. The flying shuttle swiftly moved
back and forth, weaving fabric rapidly.

Cities expanded from Manchester to Birmingham. The steam engine emitted a loud noise as it
hauled trains across the terrain. Factories appeared huge, grimy, and lacking workers. Kids
worked all day, drowned in machine noise. The spinning mule symbolized development, while
the skies darkened with coal smoke.

The Industrial Revolution had negative consequences. These included physical strain, child
exploitation, and crowded cities. However, it also created marvels. Railways connected
countries, factories made goods in bulk, and bustling cities emerged.