The PLEA: Revolution

Revolutions change laws and institutions in society. Some revolutions—such as the French Revolution—have overthrown monarchies and established republics. Other revolutions—such as the Iranian Revolution—have replaced monarchies with theocracies. And other revolutions—such as the Russian Revolution—have replaced market-based societies with socialist-based societies. The list goes on. While every revolution is unique, one thing is clear: for as long as there have been governments, there have been revolutions.

But what does revolution mean? What can we learn from revolution? And is revolution the only way to achieve meaningful change? This issue of The PLEA explores the concept of revolution, pointing to some key revolutionary moments in history. It considers:

• how we define revolution,
• revolutionary attempts made in Canada,
• the good and bad that comes from revolution, and
• revolutionary and non-revolutionary ways to change laws and institutions in society.

Ideal for most any reader, Revolution is specifically designed to fulfill several requirements across Saskatchewan’s social science curricula. It will also be of particular interest to people curious about laws, social change, and ideology.