10.3b3 Revolutionary Movement

A revolutionary movement tries to make broad structural changes and replace some or all existing social institutions. Revolutionary movements use disruptive and sometimes violent actions to achieve their goals. Moreover, revolutionary movements may seek to change the political system, gain independence from colonial power, and impose a religious way of life, among other goals (Grinin et al., 2022). The American Revolution (1764-1783) involved the colonists violently revolting against the British monarchy and its rule in North America, resulting in independence and democracy.

Environmental groups have also engaged in disruptive tactics to achieve their goals. For example, environmentalists have occupied trees to prevent logging, stolen equipment to hinder construction, and used their bodies to block roads (Sovacool & Dunlap, 2022). In Europe, farmers used tractors to block highways in protest over a trade agreement made by the European Union and several countries in South America that they believe will harm them because they must abide by stricter environmental standards in Europe than in South America (see Photo 10.10) (Nouvian, 2024). Scholars note that the disruption that primarily affects ordinary people is less effective than the disruption that affects elites, including financial institutions that make money from projects that accelerate climate change (Young & Thomas-Walters, 2024).

Photo 10.10

Farmers Blocked the Road with Tractors to Protest European Union Trade Agreements