Revolution

A revolution is a major change in government or society. Revolutions often happen when people are unhappy with their rulers. People rise up and demand a new and better system. Some of the most important events in history were revolutions.

Famous Revolutions

The American Revolution freed the colonies from British rule. The French Revolution overthrew the king and changed France forever. The Russian Revolution ended the rule of czars. These revolutions changed not just one country, but the whole world.

Why Revolutions Happen

Revolutions usually start when people feel they are being treated unfairly. High taxes, hunger, and a lack of freedom can make people angry. Sometimes a revolution is violent, with fighting and war. Other times, like the Velvet Revolution, change comes peacefully.

Fun Facts

• The American Revolution lasted from 1775 to 1783.
• The French Revolution's motto was "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."
• Not all revolutions involve fighting; some are peaceful protests that lead to change.

Did You Know?

The word "revolution" originally meant a complete turn of a wheel, like the revolution of the Earth around the Sun.