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Stages of Revolution

Crane Brinton's 'Anatomy of a Revolution' outlines a specific model of revolution characterized by a cycle from an Old Order to moderate and radical regimes, followed by a recovery phase. The model identifies four stages: Preliminary, First, Crisis, and Recovery, each with distinct symptoms and characteristics. Brinton's theory suggests that revolutions are a process with consistent patterns, though it is based on historical revolutions prior to 1945.

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1K views1 page

Stages of Revolution

Crane Brinton's 'Anatomy of a Revolution' outlines a specific model of revolution characterized by a cycle from an Old Order to moderate and radical regimes, followed by a recovery phase. The model identifies four stages: Preliminary, First, Crisis, and Recovery, each with distinct symptoms and characteristics. Brinton's theory suggests that revolutions are a process with consistent patterns, though it is based on historical revolutions prior to 1945.

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The Stages of Revolution

Crane Brinton wrote Anatomy of a Revolution in 1938; it was reprinted in 1956 and added to in 1964. His idea
of revolution was an overthrow of power, which led to extremists coming to power, then a subsiding into a
more moderate time. He likens it to a fever that rises due to complaints among a people. Symptomatic of that
fever is the breakdown of the body of power. The fever rages; then it is made clear that the people cannot
tolerate the fever, and this rage is replaced with an improved body of power and a happier people. Brinton’s
idea of a revolution is in fact a very specific schedule of events that are supposed to take place. It shows the
change, the fever, and the resolution of revolution. This model and definition says two things: that
revolution is a process, and that not much essentially alters from pre-to post-revolution. His theory,
however, was based on revolutions prior to 1945. Also Brinton was very specific in his approach to defining a
revolution and how it functions.

The Anatomy of Revolution outlines the "uniformities" of four major political revolutions: the English
Revolution of the 1640s, the American, the French, and 1917 Russian Revolution. Brinton notes how the
revolutions followed a life-cycle from the Old Order to a moderate regime to a radical regime, to Thermidorian
reaction. (The name Thermidorian refers to 9 Thermidor Year II (27 July 1794), the date according to the
French Revolutionary Calendar when Robespierre and other radical revolutionaries came under concerted attack
in the National Convention.)

Phase One—Preliminary Stage Symptoms (The Old Order)


1. Economically weak – the government has deficits and must tax
2. Politically weak – the government is ineffective and cannot enforce policy; inept ruler
3. Intellectuals desert – reformers speak out against the government
4. Class Antagonism – there is a conflict between the old regime and new forces

Phase Two—First Stage Symptoms (Moderate Regime)


1. Financial breakdown
2. Symbolic actions/Dramatic events – rallying point against the old regime; government protests increase
3. Role of force – the government cannot repress the rebellion
4. Dual Sovereignty – there is a better organized and obeyed government
5. Moderates Attain Power – e.g., make a new constitution; fight a war

Phase Three—Crisis Stage Symptoms (Radical Regime)


1. Radicals Take Control (coup d’etat) – small number of devoted, disciplined radicals govern
2. War (civil and foreign)
3. Centralization of Power in a Revolutionary Council Dominated by a Strong Man
4. Terror and Virtue – forced conformity or punishment; gospel of revolution

Phase Four—Recovery Stage Symptoms (Thermidorian Reaction)


1. Slow, Uneven Return to Quieter Times – first convalescence from the fever of revolution
2. Rule by a Tyrant
3. Radicals Repressed; moderates gain amnesty
4. Aggressive Nationalism
.

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