• Unit 11: Revolution in Perspective

    In this unit, we take a "bird's eye look" at the revolutions we have studied in this course. How has revolution shaped the modern world? Is violence a necessary component of revolutionary change? How do revolutionary ideas and action connect? Do deteriorating economic conditions cause revolutionary unrest or do other factors take precedence?

    We trace commonalities, differences, and linkages among modern revolutionary movements. We also study historical essays that explore how to identify useful theoretical models of revolutionary change, in terms of the historical evidence. In conclusion, we identify and analyze how global contemporary politics exhibit traces of their revolutionary legacies.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • compare and contrast the revolutions studied in this course in terms of ideology, tactics, uses of violence, and social and economic outcomes;
      • apply theoretical models to revolutions studied in this course, and evaluate the relative merits of these models; and
      • describe how the revolutions studied in this course continue to shape the contemporary world.

    • 11.1: Select Problems from the Historiography of Modern Revolutionary Movements

      • Theoretical Models of Revolutionary Change Page

        Watch this lecture from 4:00 until the end. Pay particular attention to the models of revolutionary change which were discussed at the outset of the course. How has your understanding of each of the models evolved during this course? Consider which of the models you find particularly compelling now that you have a more extensive understanding of the historical realities of revolutions.

    • 11.2: Is the Era of Revolution Over?

      • Revolutionary Change in the Twenty-First Century Page

        Listen to the first part of this lecture, stopping at 34:47. O'Brien talks about the possibility of revolutionary change in the twenty-first century; the lecture was recorded before the eruption of protests now known as the Arab Spring. Write a paragraph based on the following prompt. Consider how having studied the historical revolutions in this course helps you make sense of the revolutionary transformations that have been taking place in North Africa and the Middle East since December 2010.

    • Unit 11 Assessment

      • Unit 11 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.