The French and Russian Revolutions - 1478 Words

Revolutions are usually associated with change. Although change is monumental and significant, the way change happens and why it happens are more important things to consider. Looking at two specific revolutions in history, the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution, there are two major leaders who greatly stand out. In these two primary sources they share their goals, characterization of democracy, and opinions of violence in their movements that greatly influenced change. The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799 and had a main goal of decreasing powerful monarchs and increasing democracies and nationalism. The Russian revolution in this primary source took place in 1917 and had a goal to get rid of Bourgeoisie power and†¦show more content†¦Hence the defection of so many ambitious men, who have abandoned us on our route† that he is prepared to die in order to save the revolution. By showing that he is willing to sacrifice his own life for his beliefs he c reates a stronger love for the country and need for democracy with the people. Violence was definitely compatible with democracy and the revolution movement according to Robespierre. He strongly believed that terror was not only needed but completely necessary to push forward his theories. He says, â€Å"Terror is the instrument of a despotic government† meaning that if strength and power need to be proven then scaring the people is the way to do so. With virtue, he says â€Å"we must crush both the interior and exterior enemies of the republic, or perish with her† expressing that this an important movement and anyone without their full heart in it is considered to be the enemy, and both have to be eliminated or the revolution will fail. He considers terror nothing but justice because it was crucial, inevitable, and deserving to the circumstance of the government. Terror was virtuous because it kept the revolution going which meant they were closer to their goal of creating his perfect government. Robespierre defended all sides of the revolution because he believed that it was his personal duty to keep it moving forward. Vladimir Lenin was aShow MoreRelatedThe French And Russian Revolutions1598 Words   |  7 PagesThe French and Russian Revolutions featured hated monarchies, fascinating rumors, and allusive innuendos which made them both very interesting. In fact, in both revolutions, the murder of the royal family was one of the more historic events of the war. In France at the time of the revolution, the rulers were Marie Antoinette-born Marie Antoine-from Austria, and Louis XVI-born Louis-Auguste. The two were married when Marie Antoinette was fourteen and Louis was fifteen. 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