Revolution

Documentary Review

King Leopold’s Ghost is documentary produced by Pippa Scott to present a narration of the Belgian King Leopold II and his abuse of power in the African colony. The African colony was named as the Congo Free State at that time (Scott, 2006). The documentary shows a wild and unpleasant narration of a man’s ability for peculiar and evil demonstration of it. In presentation of the story, King Leopold committed worse actions by importing rubber and ivory leading to a controversy across the globe (Scott, 2006). However, Leopold wants a colony to offer his position some power. On that note, Leopold felt that possessing more than just his minor nation would somehow make him an authorized king.

Since the king noticed that the globe is flying by him very fast with new technological advancement and developments, Leopold just want to gain his piece (Scott, 2006). The feeling gets squeezed out by the rising power of the French, British, and Germany empires. Regardless of these powers, King Leopold uses lies and political influence to attain anything he wants. The king could have everyone deceived that he is charitable and he was in Congo for the better but that was not the real scenario. Instead, the king claims that civilizing Congo would keep out slave traders from the Arabs. However, such a claim was to help Leopold gain support of people for him to gain something else.

 An aristocrat named Edmund Dene Morel gets sent to Belgium from his business in Congo to watch the unloaded ships (Scott, 2006). Morel is capable of noticing many things that others failed to see. As Morel investigates, he noticed that hardly any trade was being substituted for the rubber and ivory from the Congo. After that, Morel makes a conclusion that it had to be definitely some types of slave labor. As Morel begins to examine, he realizes his inference is well established and correct (Scott, 2006). After Morel carry on looking into the arising matters, he discovers that King Leopold possesses more power over Congo Free State than he initially believed (Scott, 2006). Thus, Morel starts to see for himself what was going on in the Congo and begins to inform other officials by writing many essays regarding the existing events. Morel plans to make the world aware of events going on through the essays. However, Morel is attacked immediately from the Royal Palace.

When morel begins his writing, he starts gaining a lot of attention. Morel then sends a person named Casement in the Congo to examine Morel statements (Scott, 2006). Casement finds out that Morel’s statements are true making them to form an association called the “Congo Reform”. The association starts to exert relentless and growing pressure since Morel and Casement became two powerful advocates who understand the scenario.  Morel continues to make efforts to ruin Leopold. Casement ends up being executed in the London arms.  The works of Morel make the Belgian government to reform some of the formed policies in Congo (Scott, 2006). As time moves, the international public turns against Leopold and his practices in Congo.  The attacks make Leopold to give Congo to the Belgian government. After that, Leopold dies making people in Congo gain hope for change (Scott, 2006). However, Instead of the Belgian government to create change, little actually reforms in the manner Congo are ruled. Slavery and forced labor starts ending when ivory gets diminished. However, rubber farming takes over with rubber harvesting as the most cost effective approach.

The documentary is well narrated and could make any viewer understand the story. The story provides a good summary of King Leopold’s revolutions and leadership that seems to be wicked. I recommend the documentary for any audience who might wish to understand some of the colonial rule stories in Africa. The reason is because the events happened in Congo is what occurred in almost every part of Africa.

Writing Assignment 1

Revolution is a situation where organized and conscious movements contradict about the larger societal structure and historical situation. In some cases, revolution involves a situation where social classes or societal orders conflict with an existing regime. Mostly, a social order or class may perceive that the existing regime does not provide sufficient governance. Hence, social class protest to demand better governance. According to Skocpol and Trimberger (1986), a revolutionary condition happens when a prevailing form of production extents to the limits of its inconsistencies. The decisive inconsistencies act as economic contradictions established between the social relations and communal forces of production (Torres, 2010). Consequently, intensified class conflicts are created among the existing dominant groups and the rising revolutionary team. According to Skocpol and Trimberger (1986), it means that revolution is produced within people or the society when disagreements over certain resources arise. Accordingly, understanding revolution should combine a concern for the power of the state with an emphasis on a broad scale social connection that may limit or reinforce the power of an authority. Further, the focus should not be based on the limitation of state’s power but also on the relationship between governments and elite groups, landlords and peasants, and within states competing in the global arena.

Some people influence revolutions through songs. An example is the revolution by the Beetles. The song talks about the need to promote peace in a political approach. In connection to revolution, the song demands peace and tries to guide political events to strategize on how to avoid harmful practices (Torres, 2010). The Beetles aim at proving how harmony could be promoted without violence or war.  In stanza two, the Beetles claim to be counted out when people involve in destructions. To the Beetles, harmful practices are not their actions but could still drive positive changes. According to the Beetles, change could be brought without causing destructions. The Beetles also speak about the needed change throughout their songs. Such changes involve promotion of peace, harmony, avoidance of wars and negative consequences, and thinking positively before making decisions.  Further, the Beetles try to explain that there are proper ways of creating change and there is no need of using harmful ways. In an example, the last stanza claims that carrying pictures of leaders in demonstrations could not help in achieving anything. Instead, people could still strategize and make everything right. Further, in stanza five, the Beetles claim than it is useful for people to free their minds when making decisions such as changing the constitution. On that note, it means that some people fail to make good use of their minds leading to formation of poor decisions.

The message of the Beetles concurs with the theories on revolution. The Beetles held that there is need for positive changes that happens without destructions. In a similar way, as the Beetles oppose destructions in revolution, Skocpol and Trimberger (1986) also claim that revolution should result to situations that are suitable for economic developments. Marx also held that revolution should enable change of states to a structure that is more centralized and bureaucratic. Other than having a common goal, the Beetles also try to pass information that revolutionaries could have passed using their own strategies.

Revolution begins when the organized and conscious movements challenge each other or an existing authority and end after one part has achieved the target. According to Skocpol & Trimberger (1986), revolution starts when there is a contradiction in the larger societal structure and historical situation. The contradiction lead to disagreements that make some people demand for what they feel or think is right. Revolution could also begin when there are disagreements between people belonging to different social orders or class conflicts. Specifically, revolution starts when one group feels dominated and undermined by the other. In an example provided by Skocpol & Trimberger (1986), peasants may struggle in attaining their needs making them to rise against dominant landed classes or colonial regimes.   Such contradictions and disagreements trigger revolution where one party target to achieve success in what they claim to be their rights. Revolutions end by marking transitions from one mode of production to another. Accordingly, the resultant transitions transform the relations between social classes leading to situations that are suitable for more economic development. Additionally, Skocpol & Trimberger (1986) claimed that revolution end by changing state structures and class relations production and surplus adoption.

Writing Assignment#2

Mao Zedong described a case for the extensive use of an irregular type of conflict where a minor group of soldiers use mobile military strategies such as raids and ambushes to fight larger and less movable armed official forces (Mao, 1939). According to Mao (1939), Guerrilla Warfare involves a powerful special weapon that the Chinese used to counterattack the Japanese and without which they could not defeat them. Regarding the Guerrilla Warfare in history, Mao considered a bevy of wars from various continents to support his argument that guerrilla warfare is essential to dismiss more powerful and possible defeaters (1939). Further, guerrilla warfare is associated with many political problems. According to Mao (1939), there are indisputable political features of guerrilla warfare and any rivalry in general that makes the battle to be considered as problematic. In reality, guerrilla warfare uses military action as a strategy to attain political goals. While political affairs and military actions are not matching, it is difficult to separate one from the other. In the Chinese case, Mao noted that guerrilla soldiers must be committed and self-disciplined to the revolutionary cause to avoid failures (1939). Without commitment, revolution could easily become ineffective.

Continuous revolution theory is the essential element of the thought of Mao. The philosopher founded the theory on thoughts concerning the nature of contradictions. Contradictions within society, between reactionary, and revolutionary elements could be anticipated to last for a long period, it is important to work endlessly toward the progressive contentment of the radical program. According to Mao (1937), contradiction is essential than everything especially when it does not yield reactionary forces. Thus, Mao, in his continuous revolutionary theory try to put emphasize on the fundamental understanding of the nature of contradiction (Mao, 1939). In specific, Mao suggested that a revolution could not be over since contradictions would remain growing, such that it becomes important to always resolve the evolving conflicts in favour of the radical program while counterattacking the possibility of slipping back into reaction (Mao, 1939). Therefore, continuous revolution theory rejects any idea of insurgency that is once and for all, because it is difficult to eliminate contradiction element from the fabric of the environment. Mao’s insight on contradiction is entirely dialectical making it closer to the Marx’s original thought as indicated in typical works such as the Communist Manifesto (Mao, 1939).

Communist advocates for changes that they need. Accordingly, the communist fights to transform their countries of residence into their own colony or semi-colony. Considering the case of China, imperialism and feudalism had formed the chief enemies of the Chinese and the communist revolutions. The imperialism and feudalism were carried out by the imperialist countries and the landlord class of China (Mao, 1939). Thus, the communist noted that the two, imperialism and feudalism are major oppressors and obstacles to their progress. Therefore, the communist worked to eliminate the obstacles that hinder their economic progress. Politically, the communist made every effort to eliminate dictatorship, reactionaries, traitors, and opposes the conversion of Chinese society into a community under bourgeois autocracy. In the economic perspectives, communist aims at nationalizing of every big enterprises and capital of the traitors, reactionaries, and imperialists. Additionally, the communist wanted the nationalization of the distribution between the peasants of the land held by landlords and preserve the private capitalism without removing the rich peasant economy.

There are many actors involving in the Chinese and Communist revolution. According to Mao, Japan armed invasion of China is the chief enemy forming the main actor of the revolution. Armed Japanese have participated in revolutionary struggles such as the present War of Resistance against Japan and the Northern Expedition. Further, a section represented by reactionary clique within the Kuomintaang collaborated with imperialism to form a reactionary alliance with the landlord class to betray friends that helped in the Communist party. These friends include proletariat, peasantry, and other section of the bourgeoisie. In the War of Resistance, some people in the big bourgeoisie and the landlord class represented by Wang Ching-wei also turn to be traitors. Political participation also forms part of the actors in the revolutions. Most governments including the Japanese, Chinese, Chileans, and French administrations have widely involved in revolution practices. All these members form significant actors in the Chinese and Communist party revolution.

Revolutionaries include people that participated in insurgency. Revolutionaries could also involve a definitely organized society that acts by limiting its ideas of civilization to the growth of abundant elements of success, and its notion of justice focus on the equitable distribution among people. Accordingly, revolutionaries have contributed to impacts on the societies through their demand for proper governance. As noted in this discussion, revolution occurs to create changes that favour further economic developments and citizens of a particular country. Therefore, the fate of revolutionaries depends on the success of the revolution. Once a revolution become successful, the advocates may end up in power to lead other people. In some instances, revolutionaries settle just like other citizens to enjoy the outcomes of the insurgencies. In cases where revolution fails, the advocates may remain protesting to ensure a continuous preservation of independence or work towards making the insurgency successful. In an example, Cubans’ radicals still consider that they are in a revolution to ensure protection of their independence. Some revolutionaries end up being forgotten since the existing government ban people from talking about them. In an example, it is not allowed to praise Vasconcelos in Mexico in the current days (Vasconcelos, 1997). He noted that any mention of his name and actions led to the recollection of his writings. The exaltation of Catholicism was perceived as a personal offense by the intellectual elites in Mexico. In some instances, the revolutionaries could be arrested and judged (Vasconcelos, 1997). Vasconcelos was judged as an indignant politician and as one of the most negative attitudes of Mexico (Vasconcelos, 1997). In few words, successful revolutionaries join other citizens to enjoy the outcomes of the revolution. Others may end up in power to lead people after a revolution and some may remain in a fight until they achieve their planned target.

Marx established conflict theories of revolution. In his philosophy, Marx noted that revolutions could not be consolidated until transformed or new coercive and administrative organizations are securely established in the place of the old system (Qureshi,2008). In other words, no consideration of revolutions would be complete without achieving the planned target. Consequently, it makes sense to emphasize that driver of revolutions such as political leaderships, military cliques, and other actors play a central role in the insurgency process. In cases where states are extractive administrations that are in a position of deploying resources, they could produce possibilities for breakthroughs in both economic and political classes. Such features are true for most revolutions including the occurrences in Russia, Japan, and China. Skocpol & Trimberger (1986) noted that the end of revolution could only be realized depending on the world-historical and international economic constraints and opportunities that are specific to every case.

Maoism is a concept developed by Mao Tse Tung as a doctrine to capture state’s power through amalgamation of armed insurgency, strategic alliance, and mass mobilization (Mao, 1939). Maoism could also use disinformation and propaganda against state organizations as other constituents of their revolution doctrine.  China involve in a potential unification with others to gain the respect it had in the past.

Writing Assignment #3

It is true to say that Mexico and Chile had revolutions. In the clip, the rise and fall of Mexican revolution, the insurgency begun in 1910 when the liberals and intellectuals started to challenge the Porfirio Diaz’s regime. The Mexicans are fed up with Diaz’s dictatorship, the president that has been in power since 1877 (Reid-Pharr, 1999). The 34 years of power made the Mexicans consider that the president is violating the ideals and principles of the Mexican constitution. Accordingly, the revolution in Mexico succeeded in ending dictatorship in the country and led to the establishment of constitutional republic. Additionally, the article by Benjamin (2008) explains that Mexican revolutions were numerous and diverse. Some Mexican revolutions were immediate while others impossible to understand.

In the case of Chile, according to the movie, The Battle of Chile, there are signs of revolutions. First, as discussed by Skocpol & Trimberger (1986), revolutions occur when there is a contradiction between the larger societal structure and a historical situation. Therefore, in the case of Chile, Skocpol & Trimberger (1986) description is portrayed by the documentary that shows how Allende’s colossal socialist government goes against the old right wing of Chile as well as the secret interests of the U.S and the CIA. The first part of the documentary indicates that Chile’s population was cleaved by half and several structures of power were confronted. Additionally, the international doors were closed leading to magnification of internal pressure. The situation seems as if Allende’s government was doomed from the beginning. The internal pressure made Chileans to fight against their own. Qureshi (2008) noted that Allende was a person of poor political judgment and lacked sufficient skills concerning economic matters. With Chile so divided, Allende continues to fight with his life to advocate a Marxist model of government. Additionally, Winn (1988) noted how the workers of the Yarur cotton mill seized their factory to demand immediate socialization by Allende’s government. Before, the rise of Allende to power, several farms in Chile attempted seizures where many peasants anticipated land reforms and squatters claimed homes. 

The revolutions in Chile were successful based on the outcomes observed. The revolution in Chile contributed to the election of Salvador Allende. The election was a reflection of the more powerful staffs at the Yarur meal. Further, the revolution led to the employment of younger, better educated, and urban workers. Such achievements make the revolutions in Chile successful. Similarly, it could not be denied that the revolution in Mexico was successful. Importantly, Mexicans made a distinction regarding the concepts of revolution (Marx & Engels, 2005). Thereafter, Mexican government applied concepts in exhibiting, disseminating, and performing revolution and thus to inspire and educate its citizens. Such outcomes mean that the revolution in Mexico was successful. Further, according to Benjamin (2008), the La Revolution in Mexico was so effective, powerful, and enduring.

Cuba undergoes many challenges including the political blockades and economic impediment caused by the U.S. Additionally, Cuba faces internet challenges. However, Cuba is not so much stuck because the nation constantly preserve its independence, as well as ensuring its citizens get their most basic requirements. In other words, Cuba has never stopped fighting for its independence. In that state, the Cubans still consider it is in a revolution.

Skocpol & Trimberger (1986) portrayed revolution as a situation where one party rises against another one to demand what they feel is better. In such a definition, there is an indication that all the revolutions occurred in Mexico, Chile, and Cuba due the fight of poor social classes against the economic classes. Even though the revolution in Mexico and Chile stopped, the one in Cuba remain unique since the Cubans have never stopped fighting for independence. Tocqueville also perceived the French Revolution as different from others (Tocqueville, 1986). He founded his argument on the notion that the French revolution destroyed the laws, practices, and power of the old aristocracy related to feudal society (Tocqueville, 1986). Further, French revolution managed to destroy class privileges while others aimed at creating differences. According to Tocqueville (1986), the French revolution is different because of destroying class privileges and setting every man as the same before powerful groups, revolution.

All the revolutions relate to each other. A common condition for all the revolution in France, Cuba, Mexico, and Chile is an ineffective government. These revolutions occurred as a result of government failing to meet some specific needs of its people. Therefore, citizens become unhappy with the actions of the states making people protest to attain a better condition for development.

Writing Assignment #4

In the near future, revolution could end since many countries and people are gaining social, political, and economic stabilities. According to Marx, revolution occurs when the existing form of production reaches the bounds of its disputations. The contradictions get solved by people protesting against the ruling government or party to attain what they want. However, in the present and the coming future, technological advancement is becoming dominant in leading most events and changes (Tocqueville, 1986). On that note, it means that countries and people would be transformed and most conditions will be newly appropriate for more economic advancements. Therefore, revolution aimed at improving production would be minimized as a result of technological advancements that would make nations develop. However, in the future, revolution may still remain the characteristic of developing nations that lack improved technological inventions to drive changes.

Understanding the nature of revolutionaries has become exciting. In this semester, I have learned that it is easier to think about historical changes using revolution theories. Over the semester, the revolution class has taught me more than just olden stories. The major thing I have learned this semester is the significant skills of how to search and analyze primary sources. Further, I am able to combine the information gathered from different primary sources to form a single academic document that could be read to provide useful resources. Secondly, I have learned how many things in the world came into existence. For instance, I have learned about the beginning and ending of revolutions as well as the effects. Importantly, I have learned how to cite in APA-style format, as well as enhancing my ability to write essays and paragraphs easily. In few words, I am well equipped with academic skills that would enable my application of class concepts to real life situation.

I understand that revolution is among those social structures that are difficult to destroy. In most scenarios, revolution involves the citizens who from the majority and gain one voice to drive a change. Revolution is used in the society as a means of conducting community actions in response to unwanted events. Since disagreements still exist and will not stop, revolution would continue being a tool for creating change within nations, societies, and people across the world. However, the methodologies used in future might change due to advancement in technology. People may shift from traditional revolution techniques and employ more formal strategies cooperated with technological approaches to drive change (Tocqueville, 1986). Accordingly, technological progress would pose a significant impact on the nature of work and decisions in the coming years. I have learned that revolution, in most cases, contribute to positive changes. Societies get completely changed for the better. For instance, revolution has been used to create successful transformation in nations such as Mexico, Chile, and Cuba as described in the readings.

France has presented more interested in the application of revolution. As explained, that revolution may be impacted by technological changes, France has already started using advancements such as substituting the violent overthrow for revolutions. Consequently, the interest has caused French revolution to become unique in the historical context. In an example, according to Tocqueville (1986), there is no great historical occasion that is better calculated that that of French revolution. It means that France focus on strategizing revolution methods to ensure effective outcomes. On that note, French revolution is used to teach statesmen and political authors to be cautious in their theories. French revolution considered true significance, real nature, and the possible permanent impacts of any strange or terrifying insurgency. Therefore, the entire approach considers the social benefits of people as an important creature.

I find all the gained information valuable because of the fact that searching and analyzing primary sources would help me during the coming history and other classes. I would also apply the gained skills in case I major in a career that is history based. The concepts of revolutions are also valuable considering the fact that I find it interesting to learn more about the occurrences of the past.  Even though people are working to invent new information and technologies, history might be important to help trace the sources of some current issues. At this moment, I am able to link past events with the present practices and compare the changes occurring. Such knowledge could be useful in making changes regarding the current practices based on the previous events due to availability of sufficient information. It is true to note that past mistakes might help people avoid some events while carrying out present practices. Briefly, I extend my gratitude to the instructor for the experienced guidance in revolution lessons.

References

Benjamin. (2008). La Revolucion: Mexico’s great revolution as memory, myth, and history. University of Texas Press, Austin.

Mao. (1939). The Chinese Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-2/mswv2_23.htm

Marx, K., & Engels, F. (2005). The Communist manifesto: a road map to history's most important political document. Haymarket Books.

Qureshi, L.Z. (2008). Nixon, Kissinger, and Allende: U.S involvement in the 1973 coup in Chile. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008.

Reid-Pharr, R. (1999). Conjugal Union: The Body, the House, and the Black American. Oxford University Press on Demand.

Scott, P. (2006). King Leopold’s Ghost. Congo, Linden Production. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6COeZ8_01xg

Skocpol, T., & Trimberger, E. K. (1986). Revolutions: A structural analysis. Revolutions: theoretical, comparative, and Historical studies, 59-65.

Torres, S. H. (2010). Nixon, Kissinger, and Allende: US involvement in the 1973 coup in Chile. Hib: Revista de Historia Iberoamericana, 3(2), 128-130.

Tocqueville, A. D. (1986). The French Revolution and the growth of the state. Revolutions: Theoretical, Comparative and Historical Studies (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich) pp, 30-31.

Vasconcelos, J. (1997). The cosmic race/La raza cósmica. JHU Press.

Winn, P. (1988). Weavers of revolution: The Yarur workers and Chile's road to socialism.