6 revolutions and uprisings that changed history
Learn about six revolutions that transformed society and challenged the status quo, from America’s fight for independence and the struggle for civil rights, to the Arab Spring and the ongoing battle against climate change.
Image: Protestors holding banners in St. Petersburg, Russia | Public Domain
Revolutions That Changed History exposes the complex truth behind ancient revolutions and revolts, from the epic, action-packed, bloody battlegrounds to the intimate exchanges between confidants that were powerful enough to turn tides.
The show, which features the American Revolution and the French Revolution, starts Tuesday, 12th November at 9pm on Sky HISTORY.
Revolutions reshape everything from our daily lives and local economies to our collective imagination. They certainly aren’t a new concept. Revolutions have been unfolding for centuries. Some have already left their mark in the history books. Others are still evolving.
Every revolution unfolds in its own way, but all share a powerful common thread. They challenge and transform our understanding of society and its possibilities. From the American Revolution to the Arab Spring, the revolutions below did just this.
1. The American Revolution
It’s 1776 and 13 colonies are on the edge of rebellion against the mighty (and notoriously despised) British Empire. What started as a protest against tea and paper taxes quickly escalated into a full-scale war for independence. The motivation was relatively simple. Break free from Britain and build a nation founded on the principles of liberty and self-governance. Values that America treasures to this day.
Americans fought hard for their freedom and on 4th July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved. Today the USA celebrates Independence Day with parades, fireworks and other festivities.
2. The Russian Revolution
Russia in 1917 wasn’t a great place to be if you were a peasant or labourer. Wealthy tsars ruled the country and everyday citizens paid the price - poverty, inequality and war. Enter Lenin with promises of ‘peace, land and bread’. It’s no surprise the weary masses found the Bolsheviks hard to resist.
The Russian Revolution not only overthrew a long-standing regime of imperial rule but helped dismantle centuries-old monarchies across Europe. It also launched the communist belief system onto the global stage.
3. The Civil Rights Movement
Segregation and racial injustice were everyday realities for African Americans in the 1960s. The United States was marketed as the ‘land of the free’ unless, of course, you were a person of colour. In this case, you couldn’t sit at the same lunch counters, use the same bathrooms or attend the same schools as white people. You weren’t welcome in many public spaces, and even voting was made nearly impossible.
Until leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and activists across the nation said enough is enough. Through non-violent protests, boycotts and powerful speeches, they spearheaded the American Civil Rights Movement. Their courage and resilience ignited social change around the world and continue to inspire movements for justice to this day.
4. The French Revolution
France in 1789 was a pressure cooker to say the least. Spurred by inequality and an out-of-touch monarchy, the lid finally blew when revolutionary insurgents stormed the Bastille. What followed was a whirlwind of guillotines, radical ideas and a shiny new catchphrase.
It wasn’t just France that felt the tremors. The French Revolution reverberated across Europe and inspired people to question authority and fight for democratic ideals. It was a bloody affair that ultimately helped Napoleon rise to power.
5. The Arab Spring
In 2010, one man’s protest in Tunisia ignited a wave of uprisings across the Arab world. Ordinary people took to the streets to demand dignity, freedom and better living conditions. Regimes that seemed unshakeable crumbled under the weight of people power and for a moment, the world held its breath.
The hope? A new era of freedom for people in the Middle East and North Africa.
It was inspiring to watch. But like many revolutions, the aftermath has been messy. Some countries remain locked in conflict and others struggle to balance newfound freedoms with stability. It’s a reminder that the path to change is complex.
6. The Climate Change Revolution
This is the revolution none of us can afford to ignore. From Greta Thunberg’s school strikes to massive global protests, people everywhere are demanding action on climate change. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Rising sea levels, extreme weather and the loss of thousands of species.
It’s a race against time to rethink our habits and push for policies that will give future generations a fighting chance.
