How has the concept of revolution evolved from the French Revolution to modern-day uprisings? (By: Carys)

 Can you imagine what the world looks like in the ancient and modern days? To answer this question, let’s talk about ancient days first and foremost. At that time, the technology was not well-developed. This means that we had neither gadgets nor machines to conduct activities. Without them, the only mechanism to do so was to rely on humans’ work. It was very time-consuming and tiresome. The worst part was the world had suffered with many malicious obstacles like the merciless war, slavery, poverty, and economic crisis before. In most circumstances, citizens had no rights to speak if they saw any errors in the politics. It was so disheartening when looking at the scene. On the other hand, to talk about modern days, most of the countries had already attained independence and become peaceful. We had the rights to carry out activities that we wanted. Many astonishing devices like smartphones, tablets, machines, and computers are invented. We can even go overseas and are righteous to talk too. No more slavery, poverty, and economic crisis in this tremendous and stupendous world. 

  Why has our world changed in modern days compared to ancient days? It is because of efforts and revolution. Here is a question, what is meant by revolution? It is a dramatic change in conditions, behaviours and operations, especially a government or social order, on behalf of a new system for several purposes. There are many types of revolution. For instance, the glorious revolution in England, United Kingdom (1688-1689), American Revolution (1765-1783) and French Revolution (1789-1799). Revolution brings stories and pros to everyone living in this world.  

  Let’s talk about one of the revolution-------------------------French Revolution.  Why it becomes top-notch and readable? Here is the scene: On 14 July 1789 at Versailles, there was a brutal and materialistic ruler named King Louis XV1. He wanted more money but failed to increase taxes when he called for a rendezvous of the Estates General. He summoned the Estates General too. This meant that King Louis XVI spent exorbitantly. That time, men and women society were unequal. What's more, France was in the brink of bankruptcy due to American Revolution. This led to corruption of royal officials, economic crisis, rags living, famishment and apprehension of the citizens. To express their hatreds to King Louis XV1, what actions were taken? For the third estates representatives, together with the clergy and noblemen, gathered in the Tennis Court Oath and protested on 20 June 1789, vowing “not to split and to reunite no matter necessary until the constitution of the kingdom was built”. Some of them stormed the Bastille fortress, also known as Bastille prison. Only around 4 to 5 prisoners were found. King Louis XV1 had less support and loyalty from his people, he and his family moved to Paris. He had been tried to flee in year 1791 but was obstructed and forced to establish and accept the latest form of governmental system. Afterwards, King Louis XVI was put on trial. A legislative assembly, which was governed from October 1791 to September 1792 was later substituted by the National Convention. The Republic of France was pronounced. A new calendar is established, and Christianity religion is eradicated. They thought that will settle the issues. Notwithstanding, it ended up becoming more violent and radical, where insurrectionists from Paris massacred around hundreds of accused counterrevolutionaries. Fortunately, King Louis XV1 was executed on 21 January 1793. Same goes to his wife, Marie Antoinette, she was executed on 16 October 1793. The 1400 citizens, who are functional enemies of the republic were executed in Paris in the following 6 weeks. This is known as the reign of terror.   

French Revolution provides some prominent lessons to people in modern-day uprisings, what can we learn from them? First and foremost, it teaches us the importance of social justice, nobility and equality. According to the slogan of the Republic of France--------Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or “Liberté, égalité, fraternité”, which has become renowned till now, they have been essential during the enlightenment. Last time, nobilities and the middle classes were enraged and discontented with certain rulers with weak leadership, just like King Louis XVI. For citizens who are at lower classes, they had been challenged to survive during that dynasty. Men and women were provided attention diversely. Only men could fight in the war or become leaders for countries. Nowadays, after the revolution, people have the rights to give speech, press and assembly under the law required. For instance, governmental elections allow all citizens to have the freedom to vote for their best leaders to rule the entire world. This can also be known as democracy. Aristocracy living was ended. Men and women are born and maintain equal in rights, regardless how their social status and background look like. As we all can see, even ladies can become ministers and leaders now. It shows that revolutions bring harmony to the whole world.  

Next, French Revolution provides us moral values that we should be patriotic and loyal to our own country. According to the scene of the combat between the citizens and King Louis XVI, it showed how high the awareness of the citizens in preserving their beloved territory as they knew that a ruler with weak leadership might be prone to colonisation and invasion by other countries. That is also known as the vitality of patriotism, or nationalism. In our own shoes, after looking at that scenario, we should learn from them. How? We can celebrate national day in our own countries to commemorate notable historical figures who sacrificed as they fought for our countries desirable independence and end the hurtful war, aristocracy. In the slogan again, the term fraternity means reunition, tribute, tolerance, consideration, caring, and helpfulness, despite being more about solidarity between people who live in France. To apply it in authentic lifestyle, we should speak politely with someone else. Do not tease, jerk, or posting spiteful photos, comments that are sensitive on social media about someone’s culture, religion, or politics. In any situations, we should lend a helping hand for the needy regardless of what religions and ethnicities. For examples, the poor, disables and orphaned children. That is why in most public places like parking, public transports such as buses, trains, have the seats and places for the disables. There is an idiom, unity is strength. Following by the protest of the citizens, it depicted that we should have cooperation in teamwork for it to solve efficiently. For instance, economics, charity, immense cleaning-up at public locations like parks. This does so as cooperation refrains scepticisms, criticisms, discrimination, invasion by other territories.

  

 Apart from that, French Revolution aids in encouraging us to be more creative, innovative and critics. The world can change humans can change their mind too but there is one thing that is compulsory to remain------------------the positive characteristics. This says so because whenever we see something is not in the right way, like aristocracy that intimidates the citizens during the French Revolution, we should think of an idea to create a better and miraculous change. We can do it by inventing new technologies that benefit our lifestyle. For schools, STEAM--------Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics are needed to educate the students, so that students have the initiatives to apply it for creating new items that bring advantages to themselves, their family and the world besides boosting their knowledges. On behalf of it, innovation competition can be organized. Furthermore, we should abide the governmental laws in an effective method. We should support governmental politics smartly, like engaging in democratic activities. Always abide the traffic rules and regulations. There is a slogan, look before you leap. It means that we should think before we act. We must be meticulous and precautious if the governmental information is right. Do not do something that violated the countries' rules.  

Finally, leadership plays a vital role in establishing an outstanding, futuristic world, and guides the citizens to an accurate pathway. A leader, same goes to the citizens, should not give up and be fearsome when facing unexpected or expected challenges. He or she should be brave and ready to accept to deal with it. Do not run away from it and things cannot be hided most of the time. Smart thinking, calming down help dealing the issues more effectively. A leader should be considerate to his or her people instead of being selfish. He or she should provide the facilities and the cosiness that they needed most of the time. In addition, a leader should have communication skill, which he or she is good at giving speech and smart in listening his or her people words but must be in a courteous way.  

All in all, French Revolution, like any other countries' revolution, is jam-packed with many meaningful information for us till now. Because of revolution, people in most of the countries can live harmoniously; Because of revolution, a futuristic and technological-advanced country is presented. Together, let us support the ongoing of revolution.