Revolutions and the Revolutionary Tradition in the West, 1560-1991 Book

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 a European expansionist and a European political culture. David Parker 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 EuropeAs well as providing new historical perspectives on the concept of revolution, this book also provides a comparative survey of all the major revolutions in the West over the past 400 years.Read More