Final answer:
Revolution involves rejecting the existing government's authority and creating a new government, like American revolutionaries who chose republicanism post-independence. Historical revolutions often challenge monarchies and lead to new forms of governance. Modern revolutionary movements can be driven by societal expectations not being met.
Step-by-step explanation:
Revolution is commonly understood to have two components: rejection of the existing government's authority and creation of a new government. This involves a transition from an undesirable form of governance to an alternative structure that the revolutionaries believe will better serve their interests and aspirations. One historic example of such a transition is the American Revolution, where the American revolutionaries rejected the British monarchy and opted for a form of republicanism after gaining independence. Monarchies, such as those that prevailed in Europe during the 18th century, were based on dynastic succession and were challenged by revolutions when the monarch failed to protect and guide their subjects, as was the case with George III in the eyes of the Patriot colonists.
Furthermore, other revolutions, such as the French Revolution, saw a complete rejection and overthrow of the monarchy, resulting in more radical social changes and the eventuation of a power vacuum, which led to extreme revolutionary violence, as evidenced during the Reign of Terror. While the French Revolution advocated for a direct representative democracy, the American Revolution resulted in the establishment of a republic that inspired subsequent fights for independence and democratic governance globally.
Revolutionary movements, including those in recent times like the Arab Spring, are often driven by a discrepancy between people’s expectations and actual societal conditions, as suggested by James C. Davies in his theory. These movements underscore the ongoing global struggle for representative and responsive governance.