Final answer:
The central idea of the excerpts is that many people fought for democratic governance, highlighting the difficult transition from authoritarianism to democracy and the resilience of democratic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of the provided excerpts is option C: Many people fought for a democratic nation. These excerpts collectively discuss the difficulties nations faced in establishing democracies, the eventual triumph of democratic ideals in various regions, and the struggle against different forms of authoritarian rule. Whether it's the mistakes repeated by imperialists, the overthrows by the military, or the irony of communist states succumbing to democratic revolutions, the undercurrent is the ongoing battle for democratic governance. Moreover, mentioning Tocqueville's observations about the unstoppable force of democracy further emphasizes the resilience and spread of democratic ideals, despite the challenges and the 'tyranny of the majority' that may arise.
In various contexts, the excerpts detail the transitions from authoritarianism to democracy, the violent upheavals, and the paradoxes encountered during the surge of democratic revolutions. The reference to deaths and escapes to Canada or the comment about the author's family's struggle under a repressive military rule serve to illustrate the harsh realities many endured while striving for democracy or living through these transformations. However, the overarching theme is the fight for and eventual establishment of democracies, even if it was a struggle filled with paradoxes, unpredictable outcomes, and occasional setbacks.