Defining Documents in World History: Revolutions

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Revolution is a term used to designate any rapid, far-reaching or violent change in the political, social, or economic structure of society. Although there have been revolutions in areas such as industry (the Industrial Revolution), science (scientific revolutions), and the arts and culture, it is political revolutions that have garnered the most attention by historians and the public alike. In this sense, revolution entails fundamental change in the government or political constitution of a country, brought about mainly through internal forces and often achieved by violence or force of arms on the part of a sizeable mass of citizens. 

Throughout history, there have been many notable revolutions. Examples include the American Revolution, where colonists broke free from their colonial ties and established a sovereign, independent nation; the French Revolution, where an absolute monarchy was overthrown by opposition from inside the country together with a popular uprising; and the Russian Revolution, where a repressive monarchy was overthrown by those seeking to institute widespread social and economic changes based on a socialist model. These revolutions among others helped shape the world as we know it, overthrowing defective governments and empowering citizens to stand up for what they believe in, through both peaceful and violent means.

This set, Defining Documents in World History: Revolutions, offers in-depth analysis of seventy-nine documents, including addresses, cables, charters, declarations, diary excerpts, legislation, letters, manifestos, memos, negotiations, reflections, resolutions, and speeches. These selections trace the evolution of notable revolutions around the globe, from the Dutch Revolt in 1581 to recent revolutionary actions, such as the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Topics covered within these volumes include:

• The Dutch Revolt
• The English Revolution
• The American Revolution
• The French Revolution
• The Wider Americas in the Nineteenth Century
• European Revolutions of 1848—Before and After
• Japan and Korea
• The Mexican Revolution
• Ireland
• The Russian Revolution
• India
• China
• Mid-Century Rebels
• Vietnam—and Cambodia
• Mid-East Revolts and Revolutions in the Twentieth Century
• The Revolt Against Communism in Europe
• Other Modern Revolutionary Changes
• Ukraine—the Orange Revolution
• The Arab Spring—and ISIS
• Recent Revolutionary Disturbances

Documents within these sections provide an overview of the history and contemporary issues surrounding revolutionary thought and action around the world and include historical reports, speeches, court cases, legislative debates, and more. Each in-depth chapter provides a thorough commentary and analysis of each primary source document, often reprinted in its entirety. Commentary includes a Summary, Overview, Defining Moment, Author Biography, Detailed Document Analysis, and discussion of Essential Themes.

An important feature of each essay is a close reading of the primary source that develops broader themes, such as the author’s rhetorical purpose, social or class position, point of view, and other relevant issues. Each essay also includes a section entitled Bibliography and Additional Reading that provides suggestions for further readings and research.

Appendices in this book include:

• Chronological List which arranges all documents by year
• Web Resources, an annotated list of websites that offer valuable supplemental resources
• Bibliography lists of helpful articles and books for further study

The Defining Documents series provides in-depth commentary and analysis on the most important primary source documents in the United States and the world. The Defining Documents series is perfect for students, those researching a particular era, or anyone interested in world history. Visit www.salempress.com for more information about additional titles in this series

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