Revolutionary wars and slavery insurrections are historical events marked in bloodshed and violence. While one results in the recreation and rebirth of a nation, another ends in executions and mass violence against the insurgence. While these two events differ greatly in scale and severity, one thing ties both together: the education and ideals of the leaders.
Slavery Insurrections and Revolutionary Wars
Revolutionary Wars vs. Slavery Insurrection
Uprising is a common thread throughout history. Whenever one group is oppressed by another the inevitable outcome will be a revolution. In fact, the very term revolution is defined as, "a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence." (Dictionary.com). Throughout history there are many examples of various violent overthrows. Among the list the two most prominent that come to mind are revolutionary wars and slavery insurrections.
The American Revolution is a prime example of a radical change that required violence. The American Revolutionary War happened between the years of 1775 and 1783 and marked a new era in governments (Middleton 20). After being ordered and taxed into poverty by England, the colonies determined that the only way of ensuring the nation's success was to overthrow England and break free as its own country. The primary offense that spurned America into a revolution was their lack of voice in England. Americans argued that there should not be laws passed that effect the colonies unless there is equal representation of the colonies in Parliament (Wood 83). After a long and brutal war, America gained its independence and formed its own government and Constitution.
The Chinese Revolution is another violent revolution that, instead of bring about greater freedom for its people, it resulted in the enslaving of its people through communism. The Chinese revolution began in April of 1927 (Gay 7). This conflict was fought between the Republic of China and the Communist Party of China. The end result stripped freedom away from the Chinese people and enslaved them to a new government that forced poverty upon all of its citizens.
As can be seen, revolutionary wars are a very tricky matter. While the citizens of those nations may have something to gain, often there is even more to lose. Firstly, during a revolutionary war, those revolting are already citizens of that nation. As the result, they enjoy the rights and freedoms granted to them by that nation. A revolution will present a new message for the citizens that results in discontent and a call for new leadership.
Slavery insurrections are an entirely different form of pervasive change. The dictionary defines an insurrection as, "an act or instance of rising in revolt, rebellion, or resistance against civil authority or an established government." (dictionary.com). Slavery has existed for the same amount of time as governments, and yet very few slavery insurrections are recorded in history prior to the insurrections of the American Civil War. The most infamous of all slavery insurrections in the United States was the Nat Turner Rebellion. This uprising happened in 1831 and was the result of not only slaves, but also many white men coming together and seeking to follow the philosophies of Thomas Jefferson (French 15). During this rebellion, slaves killed between 55 and 65 white people (29). While this amount may seem small in comparison to the casualties of a war, it is substantial in being the largest insurrection historically recorded.
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