When interpreting the primary cause of a revolution we instantly jump to the conclusion that of course, the rebels are to blame. Yes, the rebels are the driving force of the revolution but what motivates them? There has to be other things that have led them to revolt.
In my opinion the leading cause of revolutions is the tension between social classes, also known as a hierarchy, that primarily causes these uprisings which eventually turn into revolutions. Someone always has to be at the bottom and the reason for a revolution to evolve; is the need for the bottom classes to be equal to the top. There are many other causes to a revolution but they all come back to the predominant reason; unequal, unjust and inequitable social classes.
The foremost cause of the French revolution was the tension and conflict between the 3 estates; 3rd estate, 2nd estate, and on top of the chain the 1st estate. Of course being the 1st estate, also known as the clergy, they live a life of luxury. No taxes, majority of power and owned 10% of France’s land, though unfairly made up only 1% of the population.
The 2nd estate, ranked number 2. Also lived a life of luxury, but was a ‘step down’ from the clergy. They were also known as the nobles and a favourite of King Louis XVI. They paid no taxes even though they were certainly financially capable. They had access to high offices in government so held a lot of power. According to Modern World History textbook both the clergy and the nobles scorned enlightenment ideas as it would strip them of their power and authority.
At the bottom of the social ladder was the 3rd estate. They had restricted rights and rules they were to conform to. They were stripped of all power, say or rights but were expected
to pay the taxes for the whole country, this means they were the biggest estate (97% of population) with the least power and the biggest economic providers. They kept France’s economy stable.
Between each of these classes covet was present, the 2nd estate wanted to be as powerful as the 1st, and the 3rd estate wanted to have equal rights with the 1st and 2nd estate. When the 3rd estate tried to secure these rights for themselves it started an uprising. This is all evidence of why the leading cause of revolutions is the tension between social classes.
Another example of where leading cause of revolutions is tension between social classes is in Syria. The prominent cause of the Syrian revolution was due to tension between city and rural citizens. "We believe that the underlying causes that led to this situation are the socioeconomic policies that were in place, and we should support the expansion of democratic freedom," Ammar Bikdash told Xinhua News Agency
In Syria there are two classes. The wealthy supporters of Bashar al-Assad who are often Government workers living in the central city, and the poor anti Bashar al-Assad who are mostly rural workers in desperate needs for a new regime and a new leader.
In current times the poor class is putting up a strong battle against Bashar al-Assad and his forces and according to The Guardian “By joining with the discontented poor, middle- class Syrians will tip the balance against Bashar al-Assad's wealthy supporters.” The Syrian’s who have supported the revolution have done so out of desperation and a cry for help to change their regime. These revolutionaries are the majority of