Relationship between Revolution and Civil War - Essay Example

Relationship between Revolution and Civil War Affiliation Introduction A revolution is a violent removal from power of a government organization or social body. It can also be described as an enormous abrupt transformation in societal principles. The aspect that most sets these actions apart is that the change is total. A revolution is normally characterized by an entire spin from one way of doing things into a completely different way. Most of these actions are provoked by the ordinary individuals who tend to use their gain on deciding to use their advantage to overpower their individual overwhelm. After the French Revolution during the 18th century which equalized the kingdom and tried to change the social order from top to bottom, it turned out to be identical with the radical surmount of the past (Ashworth, 2011, pp.198). As a result, many came to believe that modernity could only be acquired through such aggression and overall conversion. In general, a revolution does not involve splitting of a country; rather its sole focus is on removing the current governing regime. On the other hand, civil war is a battle between organized sects within the same country or republic or, on some rare cases, between two states formed from a previously united state. The objective of one side may be to take charge of the state or a place, to alter government rules and regulations or to acquire freedom for a region. The process is usually characterized by intensive conflict that normally involves general armed forces that is sustained, large-scale as well as organized. Also, the procedure, in most cases, leads to usage of essential resources as well as numerous reports of deaths and casualties (Gabrial, 2008, pp.28). Analysis Revolutions have taken place throughout history. It is remarkable to note that aside from the power changes, revolution bring with it change in economical as well as cultural status of a state or a place. Socio-political circumstances also get entirely changed by a revolution. Some of the significant revolutions that took place all over the world at various times the French Revolution, which occurred between 1789 to 1799, the Chinese Revolution, between 1927 to 1949, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Glorious Revolution in 1688. Notably, the term revolution indicates changes or modifications carried out on the external arena of politics. As a result, revolution has led to transformation of such fields as culture, society, philosophy as well as technology (Gyani, 2008, pp.526). There is some truth in the definition since all kinds of revolutions that we have underwent have, in one way or another, left a mark in the said fields. An example of a civil war includes the American Civil War, which transpired between the years, 1861 to 1865. It is, in other words, known as the War Between the States that occurred as a civil war in the United States of America. It is essential to note that the two prearranged groups that participate in the civil war are usually bent upon forming their own governments and having structured military. I beg to agree with that, in that, since civil wars are more focused on fighting against the current social status approved by the government at that time, they usually have a proposed ideal government in mind. However, civil wars may at times result in the reinstatement of equal distribution of power within a country. The perception has some truths and at the same time I can oppose it because, most governments tend to be reluctant in giving in to the citizen’s demands. Hence, the result can vary, whereby, in most instances, it would consequence in the developments of more repressive government. It, therefore, depends on who wins the conflict at the end of the day. Whilst a revolution involves citizens waging a war against the government, groups with different interests wage fights against each other in a civil war (Caires, 2014, pp517). There are various connections that link revolutionary wars to civil wars, although these connections usually vary depending on the place, time and the causes. In this discussion, I am going to give out various examples of these wars that will clearly indicate the relationship between the two. Both the American revolutionary and civil wars were fought in the name of unity. It is entirely true, despite there being other issues; the main problem was the disunity that was evident at the time, whether among the citizens or government and its citizens. Also, following increased taxes by the British colonists contributed to the development of both wars as well as high tariffs such as the abomination tariff. The huge taxes were as a result of incurred debts by the British during their wars with the Indians and French. It was quite sad that the ongoing wars the British had with other countries imposed direct effect on the poor American citizens. In addition, people’s desire for their independence contributed to the civil and revolution wars as they no longer wanted to be under the governance of the British regime (Adelberg, 2009, pp19). The fact that slavery was thriving during this period of 1861f, also played a part in the wars, as the slaves desired to have rights of their own. Therefore, it is true that the wars focused on fighting for the human or the citizen’s rights. The wars resulted into discoveries and invention of new medicines, as due to a large number of casualties and many healthcares running out of medication, led them into discovering others. Moreover, they both led to discovery of new methods or tactics of wars, including invention of new and advanced weapons and ammunition. Unlike in the times before the wars where medication and weapons were not advanced, the war period saw development of advanced crude weapons. Also, medication such as Penicillin was discovered then. Another similarity of both wars is that they took place in the same country, that is, the United States and were both characterized by sole power that imposed tariffs and taxes that either of the involved parties or regimes did not consent. Clearly, as it is now, no one likes hefty taxes imposed on them. That was one common thing the two battles fought against. Lastly, the differences in beliefs, either religious or otherwise, stirred up the wars and each side represented in either war belonged to the same nation (Wahrman, 2001, pp1243). The religious differences were a major stir up for the fight, for at the time, there were no such options as freedom of worship. The Catholics resented the Protestants; Jews did not like the non-Jews e t c. These wars are usually fought by ordinary citizens of a country, and in most cases end up overthrowing the current kingdoms. That is true in that, unless in extreme cases, no foreigners fight other country’s wars. For example, the British civil war and the American revolutionary war ended up overthrowing the ruling monarchy at the time. Also, during the war, after the successful overthrow, the military ended up governing the countries. While both wars tend to fight for its citizen’s rights depending on one’s perspective, civil wars tend to be more destructive as compared to revolutions. Revolutions are less aggressive, in that, they do not necessarily require any form of physical violence (Parkinson, 2007, pp.225). Parkinson’s argument is true because in most instances, word of mouth and various peaceful matches and demonstrations are usually the norm in a revolution. Save for some few cases where they turn out to be violent, revolutions, especially in the modern world, are known to be peaceful. Also, civil wars are usually accompanied by transformative possibilities, whereby, numerous inventions are introduced during the period. Similarly, although more than in a civil war, revolutions are normally driven by the need for inventions and change or modification possibilities. For example, during the American Revolution and civil war, the introduction of new medication strategies as well as the new tactics of war, contributed a lot in the entire county’s development and conquering the British (Gallagher, 2013, pp.19). While civil wars are local and can last for a long period of time, similarly, revolutions can happen within a state, although not confined, and has a potential of extending its duration for a long period. For instance, many countries, especially the modern countries, have had revolutions aimed at overthrowing incompetent presidents or leaders from their positions (Apraez, 2013, pp.564). The fact is true as several cases have been witnessed in African countries like Zimbabwe and Libya. They also tend to bring about human liberation, especially in instances where the county’s citizens are oppressed by the ruling parties. In the American case, the slaves got their freedom and the oppressed citizens due to high imposed taxes received the waiver after the independence (Streeby, 2007, pp.423). Misleading preconceptions about revolution and civil wars have left many into having such thoughts as civil wars bring about the end of the human spirit while revolution is viewed as a measure to self-realization and unfolding. However, these prejudices and misconceptions about civil war and revolution can be pinned back to be an outcome of revolutionary’s individual ambitions during the 18th century. However, due to the changes resulting from the American and the French revolutions that hastened the semantic modifications, we currently live with their aftermath. At the same time, we work hard to uphold a logical difference and similarity between revolutions and civil wars. The Romans gave civil war its name, although they were not the first ones to undergo through it (Hurcombe, 2011, pp.56). The Chinese Civil War, which transpired between 1927 to1950, can be considered to be both a civil war and a revolution. Firstly, it is perceived as a civil war because of it was a war between the Chinese themselves, in particular, against the kind of a national government that was governing at that particular time, either communist or republican. On the other hand, it can be considered to be a revolution due to the fact that the objectives of either of the fighting side were dominance of the overall national government. It, therefore, can be said that the battle was based on who would set the disposition of the national government, and not for particular political rights or empowerment of personal groups (Clavin, 2014, pp.804). The fact that an additional war against an external assailant, the Second Sino-Japanese War, which carried on to the World War II, was also fought during that same time period does not change the character of the entire revolutionary civil war being battled concurrently (Casanova, 2000, pp.515). Given the eighteenth century war caused due to the laws enacted to the British North America colonies by the Great Britain, it is evident that the revolutions and the civil war was a result of people’s anger towards the set policies. The policies included the Quartering Act, the Stamp, the Tea Act, the Sugar Act and the Declaratory Act, just to name a few. To a lot of settlers, these rules happened to be tyrannical and undue since the colonists had no express representation in the parliament. However, the British government felt that the settlers were guarded by the British navy and army, and there was constancy under a constitutional dominion, which was more than the other, longer-founded states, could show off (Buel, 1983, pp.13). As a result, more and more conflicts, murders and demonstrations broke out, the settlers and the king, hence, knew that something needed to be done in regard to the status of their relationship. However, not every colonist approved of what was to be done and, consequently, a line begun to be drawn. There were those individuals who supported King George III and Parliament to patch up the relationship and those who wanted to split all connections with the Great Britain. Both the revolutionary war and civil war saw all sides fight zealously for their positions through pamphlets, speeches, and in some cases, songs. Individuals who wanted to support the king were referred to as Tories or loyalists, whilst those who supported separation were called patriots or rebels. In the end, a consensus could not be reached between the two parties, and in 1776, the Continental Congress formally affirmed the thirteen colonies liberated from Britain and her statute. Not only was the subsequent war a revolution, but it was also a civil war between the settlers (Maier, 2010, pp.724). In addition, poverty is yet another aspect that has been known to contribute or have a significant impact in stirring these wars. In a civil war, the likelihood of a tribe starting a fight against the other is quite common. Mostly, the disadvantaged group gets envious of the advanced and well up one and as a result, after a while, start a war with efforts to equalize everyone within the society. A good example is the civil war in an African country, Rwanda, where the Hutu and Tutsi fought for year for they felt a particular group was more advantaged than the other. Also, the Northern American states started a war against the southern states due to the same reason (Roberts, 2003, pp.202). On the other hand when the society identifies some social inequality in terms of economic growth, they can start a revolution against the government with efforts of ensuring that distribution of funds and other growth measures are distributed among everyone within the state. However, to some extent, an extended revolution can lead to a civil war, especially in cases where the government seems reluctant to resolve or address the said issues and if the opposing group grows numbers. The resort, however, rarely happens, unless the issues being presented are intense and require mandatory intervention from the addressed body in charge (Davidson, 2011, pp.57). Another aspect that can contribute to the occurrence of civil or revolutionary wars is the general greed. Greed among citizens, either powerful or the minority, has existed since the beginning of times. However, with advancement in economic, technological and social standards, the lengths at which individuals or societies are willing to go in order to acquire their own selfish gains have changed. Unlike in the past, about three centuries back, where the general public had no say over any misconduct by any of the powerful citizens, currently and during the recent past have seen many protest and state out their concerns regarding the same. For example, in a country like Russia, the greed for more power during the Hitler regime saw many afflicted and the citizens were offered no opportunity to state out their views and concerns. Before its independence, the country underwent a series of evolutionally and civil wars, which lead to their freedom Seidman, 200, pp.209). Both wars were as a result for need for people to acquire individual freedom and for the ongoing oppression for the weak to come to an end. In the contemporary world, the fights being witnessed in the Middle East countries including Syria and Egypt are examples of civil wars that have gradually developed from a revolution. For example, in Syria, the fights have advanced from being peaceful to individuals fighting against themselves and societies against others due to alleged uneven distribution of powers and resources. The citizens have, therefore, stopped viewing each other as fellow humans, and instead have embraced the rivalry attitude towards each other (Mouhot, 2011, pp.341). Conclusion In conclusion, civil war and revolutionary wars can be stated to be in connection to some extent. It is clear that the causes that lead to either of the wars tend to be similar as both wars, in most cases, fight for the better good of the citizens. Although civil wars usually last for longer periods than the revolution ones, there are cases that can lead to span of a revolutionary war, based on facts such as delayed response from the responsible bodies and lack of reaching to a consensus by either of the involved parties. In addition, though during the initial stages of a revolutionary war appear to be peaceful, several cases witnessed before indicate that the fights can become lethal, where the people’s concerns are not addressed, hence developing into a civil war. In such instances, a revolutionary war that could, in normal circumstances, last for a short period, might end up developing into a civil war. Therefore, it is recommendable that where such possibilities present themselves, the governmental bodies as well as the public should work harder towards reaching the solution in order to avoid future harmful consequences. Also, it is advisable for the government to be aware of all issues arising from the society that has the potential of instigating either of these forms of war. In addition, since civil wars are usually between the citizens against themselves, the state should keep a close eye on any potential issue that may pose a threat to the very peaceful coexistence among its citizens. Bibliography Adelberg, MS 2009, An Evenly Balanced County: The Scope and Severity of Civil Warfare in Revolutionary Monmouth County, New Jersey, Journal Of Military History, 73, 1, pp. 9-47, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 7 April 2015. 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