Revolutions and the Revolutionary Tradition : In the West 1560-1991

Revolutions presents eight European case studies including the English revolution of 1649, the French Revolution and the recent revolutions within the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe (1989-1991) and examines them not only in their specific political, economic and social contexts but also as part of the wider European revolutionary tradition. A chapter on the American Revolution is also included as a revolution which grew out of European expansionism and political culture. Revolutions brings together leading writers on European history, who make a major contribution to the controversial debate on the role of revolution in the development of European history. This is a truly comparative book which includes discussion on each of the following key themes: • the causes of revolution, including the importance of political, social and economic factors • the effects of political and philisophical ideas or ideology on the revolution • the form and process of a revolution, including the importance of violence and popular support • the outcome of revolution, both short-term and long-term • the way revolution is viewed in history particularly since the collapse of Communism in Europe.