Thomas Jefferson once wrote to James Madison, “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing and is as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” The American Revolution changed the course of world history and was a model for others. However, other revolutions have had similar effects. Through lecture and discussion, we will examine five others (English, French, Russian, and the 1911 and Cultural Revolutions in China) for answers to why societies seek change, whether through violent or non-violent means.

This course will be presented in a lecture format.