A revolution is a sweeping social change that takes place in a short
period of time. This is often violent, as unpopular governments are
overthrown, either by mass uprisings or small groups of organized
revolutionaries. The aim of revolutionaries is to create a better
society – to make people more equal, or more free. Yet it is often
easier to destroy a bad government than it is to create a better one.Revolutions
▲ FRENCH REVOLUTION
In 1789, rioting against the government of King Louis
XVI spread across France. Using the slogan of “liberty,
equality, fraternity”, revolutionaries overthrew the
king. In 1793, the French leaders launched a reign of
terror, during which they executed all opponents,
including the king, by guillotine.
242▼ AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Between 1775–81, Britain’s 13 colonies in North America fought
a war of independence, in which they successfully threw off the
rule of King George III. In their 1776 Declaration of Independence
(below), the American leaders declared that “all men are created
equal” with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.242_243_Revolution.indd 242 03/01/19 12:11 PM